Modi ‘excited to meet Abe,’ hails time-tested India-Japan ties

Ahead of his much-awaited visit to Japan, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to twitter on an optimistic note. In a series of tweets on August 26, the tech-savvy Modi hailed Japan for its prowess in innovation and also expressed his eagerness to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to boost bilateral relations across the spectrum.

“Japan’s friendship with India is time tested. We are 2 vibrant democracies committed to advancing peace and prosperity in the world @AbeShinzo,” tweeted Modi on August 26.

While stressing on his endeavour to boost cooperation with Japan, Modi voiced his admiration for Japan’s precision-oriented innovation. Further, he said that his government has given utmost priority to its multi-pronged ties with Japan, ranging from trade, investments and developmental issues besides security concerns.

As for the security aspects, Modi may also discuss India’s role in the maritime disputes in East Asia and the impact of India-Japan-China relationship in the days ahead.

Initially, Modi’s trip to Tokyo was scheduled for early July, but it was postponed due to the Indian parliament being in session at that juncture.

Much is expected from this visit, considering the close rapport Modi shares with Shinzo Abe. “Am particularly excited to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. I deeply respect his leadership and enjoy a warm relationship with him from previous meetings,” twitted Modi, who had earlier travelled to Japan as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Modi happens to one among the only three persons Abe follows on Twitter.

Both leaders have spoken about mutual admiration and respect for the other and they are expected to rely on this personal chemistry to reinforce closer relations between New Delhi and Tokyo.

Highly impressed by the use of technology in propelling Japan’s economic growth, Modi hopes Japan plays a more active role in India’s main agenda on development and growth.

India has also sought Japanese investment to develop 100 smart cities and high-speed bullet trains to improve infrastructure and thus create more jobs.

“I see the Japan visit as an opportunity to take our ties with Japan to a new level & increase cooperation in various fields” added Modi.

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