Quad summit on March 12, PM discusses issues with Japan counterpart

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The summit will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security, and climate change, the MEA said.

The leaders will discuss ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic and explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi had a phone call with Japan PM Suga. The two leaders further exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and concurred that the partnership between the two countries could play a pivotal role in addressing common challenges. In this regard, they emphasised that their engagement with like-minded countries such as Australia and the US in the form of Quad consultations holds value and agreed that these useful discussions must continue, the MEA said.

However, while the Japan’s statement had concerns regarding Xinjiang, Hong Kong law, east and South China Sea, the Indian statement did not make any such reference.

The two leaders “expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in India-Japan Special Strategic & Global Partnership in the last few years, guided by mutual trust and shared values”. They appreciated that bilateral exchanges were maintained over the last year despite the Covid-19 pandemic. They also welcomed the recent signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Specified Skilled Workers and looked forward to its early implementation.

Modi noted the Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project as a shining example of India-Japan bilateral strategic partnership and expressed his commitment to its successful implementation.

The two leaders noted that the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries would fall in 2022 and agreed that this event be celebrated in a befitting manner.