Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pose for photographs after the signing of an agreement, in New Delhi (AFP)
New Delhi: Ukraine and China dominated the agenda of PM Narendra Modi’s first summit meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida even as the two countries pledged $42 billion to India by Japan over a period of 5 years. Announced investment close of Rs. billion announced by Tokyo in 2014.
While Modi did not mention Ukraine in his press statement, Kishida said he had told his Indian counterpart that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo should never be tolerated. Japan claimed that an agreement has been reached with India on the issue, although no Indian official has confirmed this.
However, an India-Japan joint statement issued later also underscored the importance of international law and the need to resolve disputes without the use of force or any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo, whether it involves Russia or Ukraine was not named.
In addition to the need to stop any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, Japan said the two countries also agreed on 3 other points, namely the need for a peaceful solution, an immediate cessation of violence and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
According to a Japanese spokesperson, Kishida sought Modi’s cooperation in persuading President Vladimir Putin to maintain a “free and open international order” while seeking a common stand on Russia’s actions against Ukraine. According to the spokesman, Kishida told the meeting that as the victim of a nuclear attack, Japan believes that any nuclear threat, let alone its use, cannot be tolerated.
In his press statement, he said that Russia’s aggression is a serious issue that has shaken the international order and requires a peaceful situation based on international law.
“Japan will continue to end the war with India and provide aid to Ukraine and its neighboring countries,” Kishida said.
Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla later said an “important” issue came up in the meeting and Modi and Kishida sought an immediate end to the violence along with dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis. Modi and Kishida expressed their serious concern about the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and assessed its wider implications, particularly for the Indo-Pacific region, the joint statement said. While Japan has imposed sanctions on Russia, India has not yet condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
He emphasized that the contemporary global order is based on the United Nations Charter, international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. They underlined the importance of the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine and acknowledged the IAEA’s proactive efforts towards it,” he said, adding that they would also take steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
According to Shringla, the Indian side briefed Japan about the Chinese troops gathering along the LAC and also underlined India’s position that it will “always” engage with China until the ongoing military standoff is resolved. “Business as” or “normalcy” cannot be there. This assumes significance as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to visit India next week.
The two countries also signed 6 agreements including one for cyber security cooperation and also launched a Sustainable Development Initiative for India’s Northeast and Clean Energy Partnership.
Seen by the Japanese media as an endorsement of Japan’s position on Ukraine by India, the joint statement said the two leaders expressed their commitment to work together towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous world based on a rules-based order. highlighted that it “respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations”, and stressed the need for all countries to “see for peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, without threat or use of force or Without any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo.
In his press statement, Modi expressed happiness that the Japanese investment target of $33 billion announced in 2014 had been achieved and said that, building on his aspirations, there is now a new target of $42 billion over the next 5 years. which would allow greater participation of Japanese companies in the Indian economy. He also recalled the improvement in India’s Ease of Doing Business ranking and the opportunities provided by the Make in India initiative to the world.
China’s activities in the East and South China Seas also included talks with both sides, which reaffirmed their determination to continue to prioritize the role of international law, especially UNCLOS, and adhere to a rules-based maritime order. Facilitated cooperation, including maritime security, to meet challenges against in the East and South China Seas.
“He emphasized the importance of non-militarization and self-restraint. They further called for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea and the early conclusion of a genuine and effective Code of Conduct without prejudice to international law in the South China Sea, in particular UNCLOS. For the rights and interests of all countries that are not parties to these negotiations,” the joint statement said.