PM's special lecture at the University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo

"Commitment to peace is ingrained in the DNA of Indian society. This commitment is far above international treaties or processes." "Like a lamp in the dark, India and Japan should focus on shared values of democracy, development and peace." The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has said that commitment to peace and non-violence is ingrained in the DNA of the Indian society. He was responding to questions from students after delivering a special lecture at the University of the Sacred Heart in Tokyo. In reply to a question on how India could enhance the confidence of the international community as a non-NPT state, the Prime Minister said this commitment to peace that was intrinsic to Indian society, has significance far above any international treaties or processes. India is the land of Lord Buddha, who lived for peace, and spread the message of peace across the world, he said, adding that India had won its freedom through non-violent means. For thousands of years, India has believed in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is our family, Shri Narendra Modi said. When we consider the whole world as our family, how can we even think of doing anything that would harm or hurt anyone, he said. In response to another question, the Prime Minister called for India and Japan to focus on shared values of democracy, development, and peace, saying this effort would be similar to lighting a lamp in the dark. Illustrating his point, the Prime Minister said an intelligent person would fight darkness in a room not with a broom, sword or blanket, but with a small diya (earthen lamp). “If we light a lamp, we need not be scared of darkness,” the Prime Minister said. Replying to a question on environment, the Prime Minister said India had, for centuries, a tradition of dialogue (sanvaad) with nature. People in India think of the whole universe as their family, the Prime Minister said, saying that children call the moon their uncle, and rivers are addressed as “Mother.” He asked the assembled students if they felt “climate change” was a correct terminology. He said that human beings had actually changed their “habits” leading to strife with nature. This strife with nature had caused problems, the Prime Minister said. He referred to a book - “Convenient Action” - that he had written on the subject, and invited students to read it online, if they were interested. The Prime Minister invited the students to ask him questions on social media, saying he would be happy to answer them, and adding that he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were friends online as well. Earlier, addressing the students at this all-women University, the Prime Minister said that if we have to understand different societies across the world, two things are important – their education system and their art and culture, which is why he had come to their University. Referring to the position held by women in Indian tradition and culture, he said that India had the concept of Goddesses, unlike most parts of the world, where God is usually referred to only as a Father. He also mentioned initiatives he had taken for education of the girl child while he was Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Development 2.0

The Planning Commission is in the news. It is being closed down almost 65 years after it began life. Two questions arise. What happened? What next? In thinking about the future, it is instructive to learn from the past.
Then Prime Minister Nehru created the Planning Commission in 1950 to formulate a strategy of development for independent India in a long-term perspective. It was widely respected in government. Before long, it also turned into an intellectual hub, with distinguished economists from across the world traversing its corridors. Indeed, it was a role model for similar planning boards in most developing countries. Economic planning was the flavour of the times. It assigned the state a strategic role in the process of development and sought to restrict the degree of integration with the world economy. Both were points of departure from the colonial era, characterised by open economies and unregulated markets, where the outcome was underdevelopment. This approach helped create the initial conditions and laid the essential foundations for industrialisation, not only in India but also elsewhere in Asia and Latin America.
The economic crisis in the mid-1960s, triggered by successive droughts and poor harvests, led the government to abandon planning for an interregnum of three years. The spirit of economic planning never revived thereafter. The focus shifted to crisis management. In retrospect, the planning process should have been reoriented in the mid-1970s. It was a missed opportunity.
This was the beginning of decline. The role of planning was slowly but steadily eroded by administrative fiat. The Planning Commission was gradually transformed into a department of the government without any clear function or mandate. Its supposed task was to mediate on finances between the Centre and the states but this was more form than substance. The statutory transfers were decided upon by finance commissions. The non-discretionary transfers were governed by the Gadgil formula already in place. The residual discretionary allocation of resources to states in the Union budget was in effect decided by the ministry of finance. It was only the ritual of five-year plan documents that continued.
The decline gathered momentum once again in the 2000s. Governments progressively undermined the role of the institution. And the institution progressively eroded its credibility.
In the civil service system, it was turned into a parking lot, to be used by many simply as a platform while waiting for a decent placement. In the political process, whenever governments changed after elections, it was a place to provide jobs for theboys, or girls, as members, who could not be accommodated elsewhere. Some of them waited for better times, while others were content with a Lutyens bungalow and a white Ambassador with a lal batti. It would be unfair not to mention the five-year-plan documents that few read and none believed.
In recent years, the Planning Commission eroded its credibility further, with rosy predictions about inflation that did not come down and growth that did not revive. Clearly, its demise is attributable only in part to the ideological belief that planning is passe in this age of markets and globalisation. The demise is also significantly attributable to its poor performance and growing irrelevance.
Under these circumstances, it is hardly surprising that no tears were shed when Prime Minister Modi announced his decision from the ramparts of Red Fort on Independence Day.
It would be a mistake if this is read as a victory for the dominant ideology of our times. In fact, following the global economic crisis, there is a growing recognition that markets are no magic wand, that the invisible hand of the market is not visible because it is not there and that markets are good servants but bad masters. And there is a strong need to create a new institution in its place without any baggage from the past. But there must be clarity about what it should and what it should not do.
It would be logical to create a National Development Commission, which should think big and think long, but focus on ideas rather than implementation. The organisation must be lean, at most 10 members, with support from a compact, in-house, professional team, drawing upon persons with domain expertise whenever needed, but no secretariat. There is need to reflect on where we want India to be in 2035, and how we get there.
There are two important tasks for this contemplated institution. It could help redefine the role of the government in a market economy in a profoundly changed national and international context. It could provide an institutional meeting-space for Centre-state federalism, in a situation where the National Development Council is an annual ritual and the Inter-State Council is defunct.
In our quest for development, however, there are two specific tasks for this institution. First, we must find solutions for the deep crisis in agriculture, the pathetic almost-collapsing infrastructure and the quiet crisis in education. These are binding constraints on our economic performance, even if we think of the next decade, which need strategic thinking on what is to be done and how it is to be implemented. In attempting quick fixes, we can only mortgage our future.
Second, the importance of manufacturing cannot be stressed enough. Given our most abundant resource, people, it is where our economy’s future lies. It is imperative that we reverse the visible de-industrialisation. This needs strategic co-ordinated thinking, across sectors over time, on industrial, trade and technology policies, indeed even exchange rates and interest rates, which is otherwise impossible, given the turf battles between ministries and theshort-termism of governments.
Some examples might concretise these tasks. How can we resolve the crisis in agriculture: is it simply about irrigation and extension or is it about technologies of the sort that transformed Brazil’s savannah lands into a prosperous agriculture? How can we create transportation, storage or processing facilities for fruits and vegetables that perish without reaching consumers? How can we finance the massive investments needed in infrastructure? How can we make India, already a pharmacy for developing countries, a world leader in pharmaceuticals? How can we retain the competitive edge in information technology, given the technological progress on the anvil, by moving from software to chips and hardware? How can we stimulate R&D that would create technological capabilities in manufacturing firms with a capacity to innovate in some sectors? How can we reconcile environmental concerns with aspirations for industrialisation? How can we develop an aircraft such as the Embraer from Brazil, even though we have failed over the past 50 years? Answers require roadmaps.

Transparency assured in upcoming government organ transplantation network

National Organ & Tissue Transplantation Organisation portal to be open soon

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister, has called for total, Information Technology-guided transparency in the interface between organ donor and recipient when the National Organ & Tissue Transplantation Organisation (NOTTO) becomes operational. After a visit to Safdarjung Hospital today, where NOTTO is housed on two floors of the Pathology Building, the Minister said, “There will be no VIP quotas and no recommendations from officers will be entertained. Every life is worth protecting and the spirit of the movement is not to be mocked.” A general waiting list will be maintained. Once a brain-stem dead patient’s consent is available, a state-of-the-art retrieval, matching and transplantation operation will swing into action. A patient who registered his name for the waiting list will be given a number which will not change even if he admits himself to another hospital later. NOTTO’s web portal will be fully operational in the first phase to cover kidney cases within the next 10 days. The second phase is expected to cover some more body parts and will be operationalised in six months. The Rs 149-crore National Organ and Tissue Transplantation Programme will have NOTTO at its apex. There would also be Regional Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organisations at Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Guwahati. Six state level organisations are also planned at the new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences at Patna, Jodhpur, Rishikesh, Raipur, Bhubaneswar and Bhopal. “I am an organ donor myself and am committed to making this a nation-wide movement.. Why can’t we be like Spain where every brain stem death case leads by default to the body being donated for saving lives? I think we should educate our people more on this necessity,” the Minister said. As a consequence, the Health Minister has ordered Ministry officials to plan a series of programmes involving students and social organisations. Essay writing competitions and social events are planned to raise awareness. Dr Harsh Vardhan spent a long time inspecting NOTTO’s networking office, training centre and the facilities for preserving skin, cornea, bones and heart valves at the National Bio Material Centre which is part of the organisation. A call centre is being set up which will set up contact between donors and people on the waiting list in real time. Incidentally, the Minister had launched the Asian Organ Donor Registry at AIIMS, New Delhi on the occasion of World Organ Donation day (August 6) and on August 26 had released a poster for awareness generation organised by the Indian Medical Association.

Tokyo Declaration for India - Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership

Meeting in Tokyo on 1 September 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to realize the full potential of India - Japan Strategic and Global Partnership for continuing progress and prosperity for their people and for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world. Elevating the relationship to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, they called their meeting the dawn of a new era in India - Japan relations. Prime Minister Abe expressed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Modi`s choice of Japan as his first destination for a bilateral visit outside India`s immediate neighbourhood. Prime Minister Modi described this decision as a reflection of Japan`s importance in India`s foreign policy and economic development and her place at the heart of India`s Look East Policy. Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Abe for his deep personal commitment to strengthening India - Japan strategic partnership, the extraordinary warmth of his hospitality, and the bold vision that characterized their discussions in Tokyo today. The two Prime Ministers noted that India and Japan are Asia`s two largest and oldest democracies, with ancient cultural links and enduring goodwill between their people. The two countries are joined together by convergent global interests, critical maritime inter-connection and growing international responsibilities. They share an abiding commitment to peace and stability, international rule of law and open global trade regime. Their economies have vast complementarities that create boundless opportunities for mutually beneficial economic partnership. The two Prime Ministers observed that the relationship between the two countries draw strength and vitality from the exceptional consensus on the importance and potential of this relationship across the political spectrum, the business community and people in all walks of life in the two countries. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the progress of individual cooperation programmes and projects enumerated in the Factsheet and directed the respective relevant authorities to further advance cooperation in a mutually satisfactory manner. Political, Defence and Security Partnership The two Prime Ministers decided to continue the practice of annual summits and to meet as often as possible on the margins of regional and multilateral meetings. Recognizing the special quality of bilateral engagement between India and Japan imparted by multi-sectoral ministerial and Cabinet-level dialogues, in particular, those between their Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers and Ministers dealing with finance, economy, trade and energy, the two Prime Ministers decided to intensify and invigorate such exchanges. In this regard, they welcomed that the next rounds of Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue and Defence Ministers dialogue would be held in 2014. They attached importance to the dialogue between their National Security Advisors, launched earlier this year soon after the creation of the National Security Secretariat in Japan, as a key instrument of building deeper mutual understanding and cooperation across the full range of security issues. They underlined the importance of the 2 plus 2 dialogue, involving Foreign and Defence Secretaries, for their growing strategic partnership, and decided to seek ways to intensify this dialogue. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of defence relations between India and Japan in their strategic partnership and decided to upgrade and strengthen them. They welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation and Exchanges in the Field of Defence during the visit. In this context, they attached importance to the regularization of bilateral maritime exercises as well as to Japan’s continued participation in India - US Malabar series of exercises. They also welcomed the existing dialogue mechanism and joint exercises between Indian and Japanese Coast Guards. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the recent developments in Japan`s policy on transfer of defence equipment and technology. The two Prime Ministers expressed the hope that this would usher in a new era of cooperation in defence equipment and technology. They recognized the enormous future potential for transfer and collaborative projects in defence equipment and technology between the two countries. They welcomed progress made in discussions in the Joint Working Group on cooperation in US-2 amphibian aircraft and its technology, and directed their officials to accelerate their discussions. They also directed their officials to launch working-level consultations between the two countries with a view to promoting defence equipment and technology cooperation. The two Prime Ministers recognized their wide-ranging shared interests in security of maritime and cyber domains, and decided to work with each other and with like-minded partners to preserve the integrity and inviolability of these global commons. They affirmed their shared commitment to maritime security, freedom of navigation and overflight, civil aviation safety, unimpeded lawful commerce, and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law. Global Partnership for Peace and Security in the Region and the World The two Prime Ministers affirmed their shared belief that at a time of growing turmoil, tensions and transitions in the world, a closer and stronger strategic partnership between India and Japan is indispensable for a prosperous future for their two countries and for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the world, in particular, in the inter-connected Asia, Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions. Prime Minister Abe briefed Prime Minister Modi on Japan’s policy of "Proactive Contribution to Peace” and Japan’s Cabinet Decision on development of seamless security legislation. Prime Minister Modi supported Japan’s initiative to contribute to peace and stability of the region and the world. The two Prime Ministers decided, in particular, to draw on the strength of their two countries` shared values, convergent interests, and complementary skills and resources to build a strong partnership to promote economic and social development, capacity-building and infrastructure development in other interested countries and regions. The two Prime Ministers affirmed their intention to engage with other countries in the region and beyond to address the region`s challenges, deepen regional cooperation and integration, strengthen regional economic and security forums and promote peaceful resolution of disputes. They underscored the importance of closer consultation and coordination between India and Japan in regional forums, including the East Asia Summit processes and forums. They expressed satisfaction with progress in official level trilateral dialogue among India, Japan and the United States and expressed the hope that this would lead to concrete and demonstrable projects to advance their shared interests and that of other partners. They decided to explore holding this dialogue among their Foreign Ministers. They will also explore the possibility of expanding, at an appropriate time, their consultations to other countries in the region. The two Prime Ministers condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of their perpetrators, origin and motivations. They emphasised that the evolving character of terrorism called for stronger international partnership in combating terrorism, including through increased sharing of information and intelligence. They shared concern over deteriorating security situation in various countries, and affirmed, in this regard, the importance of elimination of terrorist safe havens and infrastructure. They also called for reinvigorating multilateral action on terrorism, including through the finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations at the earliest. The two Prime Ministers expressed concern over North Korea’s continued development of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, including its uranium enrichment activities. They urged North Korea to take concrete actions towards denuclearization and other goals as well as to fully comply with its international obligations, including under all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and its commitments under the 2005 Six-Party Talks Joint Statement. They also urged North Korea to address, at the earliest, the humanitarian concerns of the international community, including the abductions issue. The two Prime Ministers stressed their shared interests, including with respect to energy security, in a stable and peaceful Middle East, West Asia and the Gulf regions. They expressed their deep concern over continuing turmoil and instability in the region, from diverse sources of conflict, which has had tragic and devastating impact on countries and people in the region. Ending the region`s conflicts, combating terrorism and resolving outstanding issues, they shared, was of paramount importance, not just for the people of the region, but also to the world. They welcomed negotiations between P5+1 and Iran over the Iranian nuclear issue and urged all parties to show political will and seek common ground while accommodating differences. The two Prime Ministers affirmed their shared determination, and called for sustained international commitment to promote Afghan-led economic development, political pluralism and capacity-building in security in Afghanistan beyond 2014 to help it become a united, independent, sovereign, stable and democratic nation free from terrorism, extremism and external interference. The two Prime Ministers affirmed the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, especially its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories, to make it more representative, legitimate, effective and responsive to the realities of the 21st century. They called for concrete outcome in this direction by the 70th anniversary of the UN in 2015 and decided to enhance efforts bilaterally and under the G-4 to realize this. In this regard, they decided to strengthen their bilateral cooperation and outreach with other member states. They also highlighted the outcome of the third round of India-Japan consultations on UN issues held in Tokyo in July 2014. Civil Nuclear Energy, Non-proliferation and Export Control The two Prime Ministers affirmed the importance of civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries and welcomed the significant progress in negotiations on the Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. They directed their officials to further accelerate the negotiations with a view to concluding the Agreement at an early date, and strengthen the two countries’ partnership in non-proliferation and nuclear safety. Prime Minister Abe commended India’s efforts in the field of non-proliferation including the affirmation that goods and technologies transferred from Japan would not be used for delivery systems for WMD. Prime Minister Modi appreciated the decision of the Government of Japan to remove six of India’s space and defence-related entities from Japan`s Foreign End User List. They looked forward to enhanced trade and collaboration in high technology. The two Prime Ministers affirmed their commitment to work together for India to become a full member in the four international export control regimes: Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group, with the aim of strengthening the international non-proliferation efforts. Partnership for Prosperity Prime Minister Abe affirmed a broader and stronger Japanese partnership for Prime Minister Modi`s bold and ambitious vision for accelerating inclusive development in India, particularly by transforming the infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep appreciation for Japan’s continuous support for India’s economic development and stated that no country has done more for modernizing India`s infrastructure than Japan. The two Prime Ministers announced the India–Japan Investment Promotion Partnership under which: a) The two Prime Ministers decided to set a target of doubling Japan’s foreign direct investment and the number of Japanese companies in India within five years as an objective to be jointly achieved. They also decided to work closely towards further expanding bilateral trade relationship to the next stage. b) Prime Minister Abe expressed his intention to realize 3.5 trillion yen of public and private investment and financing from Japan, including Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), to India in five years, to finance appropriate public and private projects of mutual interest including in the areas of next generation infrastructure, connectivity, transport systems, Smart Cities, rejuvenation of Ganga and other rivers, manufacturing, clean energy, skill development, water security, food processing and agro industry, agricultural cold chain, and rural development. In this connection, Prime Minister Abe pledged ODA loan of 50 billion yen to India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) for a public-private partnership infrastructure project in India. c) The two Prime Ministers welcomed the public-private initiatives between the two countries to set up Electronics Industrial Parks in India. They also shared the intention to develop "Japan Industrial Townships” and other industrial townships with investment incentives for companies would not be lower than under the prevailing policy framework such as Special Economic Zone (SEZ), National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ). d) The two Prime Ministers directed their officials to work out an appropriate mix of financing mechanisms, including public-private partnership, and terms for utilization of public funds, taking into account the nature of the projects, developmental priorities, procurement policies, level of industrial and technological capacities and skills available locally. They decided to explore ways to enhance Japanese and Indian participation in appropriate infrastructure projects in India. e) Prime Minister Modi underlined his determination to further improve the business environment in India, including through tax, administrative and financial regulations, in order to boost investment. The two Prime Ministers decided to further deepen bilateral economic and financial cooperation. Prime Minister Abe welcomed the approval to establish Mizuho Bank`s Ahmedabad branch. The two Prime Ministers placed special emphasis on Japan`s cooperation for enhanced connectivity and development in Northeast India and linking the region to other economic corridors in India and to Southeast Asia, which would catalyse economic development and increase prosperity in the region. Prime Minister Modi briefed Prime Minister Abe on his initiative for Smart Cities and renewal of heritage cities, including the city of Varanasi. Prime Minister Abe expressed Japan’s willingness to support this objective. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the document to promote partnership city arrangement between the ancient cities of Varanasi and Kyoto. Lauding Prime Minister Modi`s vision for development of world class infrastructure in India, including High Speed Railway system, Prime Minister Abe expressed his hope that India could introduce Shinkansen system for the Ahmedabad – Mumbai route. Prime Minister Abe expressed his readiness to provide financial, technical and operational support to introduce Shinkansen system, for which Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation. The two Prime Ministers look forward to the completion of the Joint Feasibility Study on High Speed Railway system on Ahmedabad – Mumbai route. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the progress in the ongoing flagship projects of India-Japan economic partnership, such as the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) and committed to accelerate their implementation. Prime Minister Modi invited Japanese investments in the development of new smart cities and industrial parks along these corridors. Appreciating Japan’s contribution to the development of urban mass rapid transport system in India, Prime Minister Modi sought Japan’s association with Ahmedabad Metro Project. Prime Minister Abe expressed Japan’s willingness to support the project in a mutually beneficial manner. Recognising the critical dependence of their economies on imported energy sources and their vulnerability to supply shocks, the two Prime Ministers affirmed their intention to further strengthen energy cooperation through the India–Japan Energy Dialogue. They shared the intention that India and Japan would explore a higher level of strategic collaboration in the global oil and natural gas market, including through joint procurement of LNG, upstream development of oil and gas, and joint efforts to promote flexible LNG markets, including through relaxation of destination clauses. The two Prime Ministers also welcomed enhanced cooperation on utilizing highly efficient and environmentally-friendly coal-fired power generation technology and progress on cooperation in Clean Coal Technology (CCT). The two Prime Ministers welcomed substantial agreement on a commercial contract for manufacturing and supply of rare earth chlorides from India to Japan and affirmed their strong resolution for the finalization of commercial contract as well as the commencement of commercial production at the earliest. The two Prime Ministers affirmed the commitment of both counties to actively engage in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations and to make RCEP a modern, comprehensive, high-quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership agreement. They decided to cooperate further towards conclusion of RCEP negotiations. Exploring Science, Inspiring Innovation, Developing Technology, Connecting People The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the recent productive Ministerial discussions in the fields of education, culture, sports, and science & technology, and recognized that the two Governments can truly harness the full potential of their relationship by seizing the vast opportunities for collaborating in science & technology, innovation, education, skill development, health, and information and communications technology to create new opportunities for their talented people, transform lives and address global challenges. The two Prime Ministers decided to spur cooperation, in particular, in the cutting-edge fields such as life sciences including stem cell research, material science, cognitive science, applied mathematics, computing and information science, ocean technology and ocean observations, clean and renewable energy, water technology, climate change science and outer space. They recognized the importance to launch joint laboratories in India and Japan. They welcomed the growing collaboration between their research agencies and laboratories, and attached priority to expanding research exchanges, in particular, between their young scientists and students. The two Prime Ministers acknowledged that the richness of the relationship between the two countries came from the long-standing wealth of goodwill and warmth between their people, and expressed their determination to further enhance people to people contacts and promote mutual understanding. In this connection, they welcomed growing cooperation in tourism, youth exchanges, educational collaboration, and cultural exchanges including the cultural activities which will be held under the Festival of India in Japan. Prime Minister Abe expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s Digital India initiative. The two Prime Ministers affirmed the importance of collaboration in the field of information and communications technology (ICT) through ICT Comprehensive Cooperation Framework. Prime Minister Abe invited India to participate in the ‘Sport for Tomorrow’ programme. Prime Minister Modi welcomed this proposal. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the growing educational and research partnership, including in humanities and social sciences - from the revival of Nalanda University, the ancient seat of learning, to addressing tomorrow`s challenges through the establishment of Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H), and the Indian Institute of Informational Technology, Design and Manufacturing in Jabalpur (IIITDM-J), cutting-edge institutions of the 21st century. They decided to make efforts to substantially increase the number of exchange students between India and Japan as well as to enhance Japanese language education in India. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of cooperation in the field of healthcare. They appreciated the growing cooperation in the field of women empowerment. Prime Minister Abe briefed Prime Minister Modi on his efforts to create a ‘society in which all women shine’. Sharing the view of Prime Minister Abe, Prime Minister Modi stressed the need to recognise the power of women and their important role in nation-building and the development journey of a country. Leading for the future Conscious that from time immemorial whenever Indians and Japanese have come together, they have struck a deep chord in each other; recognizing the importance of their countries` success; grateful to previous leaders for their invaluable contribution in building this relationship; aware of their enormous responsibility to lead at a moment of great opportunities and challenges, the two Prime Ministers decided to create a relationship that will shape the course of their countries and the character of this region and the world in this century. Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality of Prime Minister Abe and the Government and people of Japan. Prime Minister Abe accepted Prime Minister Modi`s invitation to visit India for the next Annual Summit in 2015.

Factsheet: India and Japan - Partners for Common Development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an official visit to Japan from 30 August - 3 September 2014. He held the Annual Summit meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today. The two Prime Ministers issued a Joint Statement thereafter. They instructed respective relevant authorities to further enhance cooperation in the following cooperation programmes and projects. Infrastructure 1. The Japanese side announced the launch of a feasibility study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) of a project for setting up of a 10 MW canal-top grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Gujarat as a model for next generation infrastructure. 2. The Indian side appreciated Japanese yen loan pledges of 50 billion yen (approximately 500 million US dollars) for the Public-Private Partnership Infrastructure Financing Project to the India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL), and of around 15.6 billion yen (approximately 156 million US dollars) for the Guwahati Sewerage Project in Assam. 3. Both sides emphasized that the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Project should result in a new era of industrial infrastructure development with the creation of new generation Smart Community projects across six states in India. 4. Both sides acknowledged that in addition to new manufacturing hubs, the DMIC Project will envisage the development of infrastructure linkages like power plants, assured water supply, high capacity urban transportation and logistics facilities as well as important interventions like skill development programme for providing employment opportunities to youth. 5. Both sides welcomed the progress made in the development of industrial cities at Dholera in Gujarat and Shendra-Bidkin in Maharashtra, and integrated industrial townships at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Vikram Udyogpuri near Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. 6. Both sides expressed their expectation for introducing Japanese technologies and expanding Japanese investment in Mass Rapid Transit Systems (MRTS) with the possibility of adopting the most suitable financing scheme. Both sides directed the respective relevant authorities to start a feasibility study by JICA on a potential yen loan project for the MRTS between Gurgaon and Bawal in Haryana. 7. Welcoming the progress achieved in the Smart Community projects, viz. the Logistics Data Bank project, the Mega Solar Power project at Neemrana and the Seawater Desalination project at Dahej, both sides instructed their officials to accelerate the implementation of these Smart Community projects. The Indian side assured to resolve the outstanding issues regarding the Seawater Desalination project at Dahej, including tariff, water quality parameters, water sales, etc. Both sides hoped that these projects will demonstrate the uniqueness of cutting-edge Japanese technology in India. 8. Welcoming the rapid progress made in the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC), including the finalisation of the perspective plan and the designation of three cities, viz. Ponneri in Tamil Nadu, Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Tumkur in Karnataka, as potential industrial nodes, both sides instructed their officials to expeditiously finalise the Master Plan and the Development Plan of the three cities by the end of March 2015. Prime Minister Modi directed relevant authorities to ensure the timely development of the infrastructure stipulated in Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme (TNIPP), such as road development and, power and water supply. The Japanese side welcomed it. 9. Taking into account the positive effects of the TNIPP on India’s business environment improvement and infrastructure development, both sides shared the view that a similar programme may be extended to the state of Karnataka. 10. Both sides welcomed the signing of a Framework of Cooperation between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan in the Roads and Road Transportation Sector. 11. The Indian side sought Japanese support in upgrading the ship-breaking yard at Alang Sosiya in Gujarat. 12. The Japanese side underlined Japan’s policy to promote people-centered investment with an emphasis on inclusiveness to have as many people as possible enjoy economic benefits of investment, enhanced social resilience to climate change, natural disasters, and capacity building. The Japanese side emphasized that promotion of such investment will lead to sustainable development. The Indian side welcomed this policy. 13. Both sides urged and supported the Asian Development Bank to enhance its capacity to address the region’s infrastructure and connectivity needs. Investment 14. Both sides appreciated the report submitted by the Business Leaders’ Forum and welcomed the proposal of a visit to India of a high level economic mission organized by Nippon Keidanren. 15. Both sides welcomed Japan becoming the partner country of the 21st International Engineering & Technology Fair (IETF 2015) to be held in New Delhi and expressed their expectation that this would lead to expansion of trade and investment between the two countries. Energy & Natural Resource 16. Both sides affirmed their intention to continue working together to further strengthen energy cooperation including energy efficiency, renewable energy and coal-fired generation technology field through the India-Japan Energy Dialogue. 17. Both sides welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of India and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in the field of new and renewable energy. 18. Both sides welcomed enhanced cooperation in construction of highly efficient and environment-friendly coal-fired power plants and progress on cooperation in Clean Coal Technologies (CCT) such as renovation and modernization of the plants and underscored the importance of cooperation in promoting these environment-friendly technologies in international fora. 19. Both sides welcomed the signing of the loan agreement between the State Bank of India and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for the super-critical coal-fired power project in Meja in Uttar Pradesh and the launch of a feasibility study by JICA of a potential yen loan project for Barauni super critical thermal power plant in Bihar. 20. Both sides welcomed substantial agreement on the commercial contract between Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) and Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) for the production of rare earths as a significant step in India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership, and reiterated their strong will for the finalisation of the commercial contract as well as the commencement of commercial production at the earliest. 21. Both sides welcomed progress of cooperative efforts in energy efficiency improvement, including steel, cement, and mechanical tools in India. Both sides applauded the MOU signed in August 2014 for the model project by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for energy management system in telecommunication towers. Both sides applauded progress of discussion on business cooperation in renewable energy after the first India-Japan Public-Private Round Table for Renewable Energy held in India in January 2014. 22. Both sides welcomed the technology exhibition and business matching activities being held by NEDO in India in September 2014. 23. Both sides welcomed progress in renewal of iron ore trade arrangement in 2015. Both sides recognized the importance of further cooperation regarding technologies and investments in iron and steel industry in India. Agriculture and Food 24. Recognizing the importance of agricultural development and establishing food-related infrastructure in India, both sides welcomed Japanese initiative to establish food value chain through Public-Private Partnership by introducing advanced irrigation systems and farming machines, and supporting the food industrial parks and cold chains development projects implemented by Indian government. Railways 25. Both sides welcomed the issuance of the interim report of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway, and expressed hope that the joint feasibility study will be completed by July 2015. 26. Both sides acknowledged continuing cooperation on upgrading the speed of passenger trains on the existing route to Semi-High Speed Railway system. 27. The Indian side appreciated the important role of Japanese ODA for various Metro and other urban transport projects in India. Both sides decided to cooperate on the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project. Both sides decided to explore ways to enhance participation by Indian and Japanese industries in appropriate infrastructure projects in India including metro and other urban infrastructure projects. Both sides affirmed the importance of continuing ODA assistance for future Metro projects in a mutually beneficial manner. Civil Aviation 28. Both sides fully understand the importance of the enhancement of the bilateral relationship in the field of civil aviation, which would contribute to promotion of mutual exchange, and decided to strengthen cooperation including the acceleration of Preparatory Survey for New Dholera International Airport Development Project. Skill Development 29. Acknowledging the effort of ongoing planning for establishment of advanced skill development centers, both sides affirmed the importance of skill development as an important tool for promotion of skills and capacity enhancement of the local youth in the industrial corridors being developed in India and appreciated support of The Overseas Human Resources and Industry Development Association (HIDA) in their efforts to promote skill development in the DMIC Project. 30. Both sides highly appreciated the achievements of the Champions of Societal Manufacturing (CSM) Project as a valuable Japanese contribution to the development of the manufacturing sector in India. The Indian side welcomed Japan’s intention to launch a new sub-project named Village Buddha, which aims at leadership development for self-help groups in rural areas, taking into account the important role played by women in such groups. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) 31. Both sides welcomed further progress in ICT cooperation through activities of the Joint Working Group under India-Japan ICT Comprehensive Cooperation Framework between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan. 32. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the launch of concrete joint projects, such as Green ICT and Cyber Security Cooperation based on agreement of the first Joint Working Group in February 2014, and reaffirmed to enhance cooperation in the field of ICT. Disaster Risk Reduction 33. The Indian side welcomed Japan’s hosting the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai in March 2015. Both sides affirmed active participation in and close cooperation for the conference in order to adopt the succeeding framework of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015. Regional Connectivity and Cooperation  34. Both sides welcomed the study by JICA on regional connectivity between North-East India and the neighboring countries, and instructed respective related authorities to proceed to realizing Japan`s ODA in transport infrastructure projects in the region. Both sides also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Export-Import Bank of India and JBIC for enhancing infrastructure development collaboration between India and neighboring countries and promoting cross border business activities. 35. Both sides decided to strengthen cooperation in the field of connectivity and socio-economic development in Northeast India. The Japanese side announced a survey by JICA to identify possible cooperation including road connectivity projects in Northeast states of India. The Indian side appreciated assistance by Japan to Northeast India, including a number of projects in the field of forest resource management as well as those currently under feasibility studies by JICA such as a potential yen loan project for water supply improvement in Imphal, Manipur. Cooperation in Africa 36. Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening their cooperation on Africa, including that for promoting business activities by Indian and Japanese investors in Africa. Both sides confirmed the importance of the next round of India-Japan Dialogue on Africa. Maritime affairs 37. Both sides directed the Joint Working Group to accelerate progress in the discussions and preparations for a road map for the development of the Indian aircraft industry through US-2 amphibian aircraft cooperation including the transfer of the aircraft and its technology to India. 38. The Indian side expressed its intention to strengthen defence equipment and technology cooperation and conveyed its interests in this regard. Both sides decided to discuss further to identify future areas of cooperation, taking into consideration specific interests. 39. Both sides welcomed the Dialogue between the Director General of Indian Coast Guard and the Commandant of Japan Coast Guard and the joint exercise between Indian and Japanese Coast Guards conducted off the coast of Kochi in January 2014. Both sides expressed their desire to further promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation on maritime issues and decided to hold the next bilateral dialogue in Tokyo and joint exercise off the coast of Haneda between Indian and Japanese Coast Guards in October 2014. Science & Technology 40. Both sides welcomed the developing researchers’ network through the alumni association organized by Indian researchers who have research experience in Japan under fellowship programme of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). 41. The Indian side welcomed Japanese side’s intention to invite young Indian researchers and students to Japan through JSPS Fellowship Program and Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science. 42. Both sides welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent between the Ministry of Earth Sciences of India and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) to launch new cooperation in the field of ocean and earth science & technology, which includes ocean observation, climate variability, and geophysical studies in the Indian Ocean and deep sea technologies. 43. Recognizing the successful operation of the Indian Beam Line at High-Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) at Tsukuba as a flagship cooperative activity, both sides announced their decision to take forward this collaboration in structural materials science area to the second phase for the study of advanced materials. 44. Both sides decided to pursue further cooperation in the field of space through approaches such as Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) and expressed their expectation that Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) would work together to further strengthen its cooperation. 45. Both sides welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan in the field of healthcare. 46. Both sides also expressed their expectation to enhance development of medical devices which meet Indian needs through new initiative of joint research and development on medical devices of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Osaka University. 47. Both sides also noted with satisfaction the recent progress of the promotion of business under cooperative framework between Japanese company and Indian hospital in terms of establishment of advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment center in India. Humanities and Social Science Cooperation 48. Both sides welcomed that the signing of two memoranda between the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), and between JSPS and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). People-to-people exchanges 49. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing plan of exchange of approximately 1300 youth between the two countries under JENESYS 2.0 program. 50. The Indian side welcomed the Japanese initiative to support Japanese universities’ educational collaboration with Indian Universities, and engagements including dispatching coordinators to India. 51. Both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation in tourism and welcomed current efforts of promotional activities through Tourism Expos to encourage their citizens to travel to each other`s country. 52. Both sides decided to continue efforts to revise the Memorandum on Simplifying Visa Procedures between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Japan which would further enhance people-to-people exchanges in business and tourism area. The Japanese side welcomed the decision by India to grant residence permits to Japanese nationals holding employment visas and their dependants, co-terminus with their visas. 53. Indian side welcomed the expansion of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) including the decision by the Government of Japan to dispatch a JOCV in the field of nursing to the state of Mizoram as the first JOCV in Northeast India. 54. The Japanese side welcomed a Festival of India in Japan which has been scheduled in two phases from October 3 - 31, 2014 and March - May 2015. The events in the festival would include 17 dance programmes covering 13 cities of Japan, the Buddha Mahotsava of Central Institute of Himalayan Studies, the Buddha Charica Exhibition by Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Buddhist Art Exhibition by Indian Museum, Kolkata, an International Buddhist Conference by the International Buddhist Confederation, a Food Festival by Ministry of Tourism, a Film Festival by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, a Literary Festival by Sahitya Akademy, folk dance performances by the Zonal Cultural Centres, and exhibitions covering the areas of yoga, information technology and space. Women empowerment 55. The Japanese side briefed the Indian side about the international symposium on women, the World Assembly for Women in Tokyo (WAW! Tokyo 2014) to be held in September 2014. 56. Both sides welcomed the Programme on Empowerment for Women Leaders in India to be held in November 2014 in Tokyo by HIDA.

Text of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s remarks at the Joint Press Briefing with Shri Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan at Tokyo,Japan

जापान आकर के मुझे बहुत ही प्रसन्‍नता हुई है। प्रधानमंत्री बनने के बाद मैंने निर्णय लिया था कि अपने पड़ोस के बाहर सबसे पहली बाईलेटरल विजिट जापान की होगी। यह मेरा सौभाग्‍य है कि प्रधानमंत्री आबे ने मुझे यहां प्रधानमंत्री बनने के 100 दिन के भीतर जापान आने का अवसर दिया और हमारी बहुत पुरानी जो दोस्‍ती है, उसको और अधिक मजबूत बनाया। यह इस बात का प्रमाण है कि भारत जापान को सबसे घनिष्‍ठ और विश्‍वसनीय मित्रों में समझता है और हमारी विदेश नीति में जापान की ऊंची प्राथमिकता है, क्‍योंकि भारत के विकास में जापान की महत्‍वपूर्ण भूमिका है और हम दो शांतिप्रिय लोकतांत्रिक देशों की साझेदारी, आने वाले समय में इस क्षेत्र और विश्‍व के लिए प्रभावशाली भूमिका निभा सकती है। जिस प्रकार से प्रधानमंत्री आबे ने क्‍योटो और टोक्‍यो में हमारा स्‍वागत किया है, सम्‍मान किया है और अपना अमूल्‍य समय दिया है, इसके लिए मैं हृदय से आभार प्रकट करता हूं। यह उनके भारत के प्रति प्रेम और विश्‍वास का प्रतीक है। यहां हर क्षेत्र के लोगों से मिलकर उनका भारत के प्रति प्रेम और आदर देखकर मुझे अत्‍यंत खुशी हुई। क्‍योटो में भेंट और एक शिखर सम्‍मेलन से मैं केवल संतुष्‍ट ही नहीं हूं, बल्कि मुझमें इस भारत और जापान की साझेदारी का विश्‍वास और गहरा हो गया है और मुझमें एक नया विश्‍वास और नई उम्‍मीदें जगी हैं। मेरे मित्र प्रधानमंत्री आबे ने हमारी चर्चा के बारे में काफी उल्‍लेख किया है और आपके सामने ज्‍वाइंट स्‍टेटमेंट और फैक्‍ट शीट भी है। इसलिए मैं, उन बातों को दुहराना नहीं चाहता हूं। मैं इस संबंध में शिखर सम्‍मेलन को किस दृष्टिकोण से देखता हूं, उस विषय पर कुछ शब्‍द कहना चाहता हूं। आज सबसे महत्‍वपूर्ण बात यह है कि हमने स्‍ट्रेटेजिक एंड ग्‍लोबल पार्टनरशिप को अब स्‍पे‍शल स्‍ट्रेटेजिक एंड ग्‍लोबल पार्टनरशिप का दर्जा देने का निर्णय लिया है। भारत और जापान की स्पिरिचुअल पार्टनरशिप कालातीत है। वह समय के बंधनों से बंधी हुई नहीं है। लेकिन आज शासकीय दायरे में ये स्‍पेशल स्‍ट्रेटेजिक एवं ग्‍लोबल पार्टनरशिप के रूप में आप सबके सामने हम खड़े हैं। मेरी दृष्टि से यह सिर्फ शब्‍द नहीं है। ये एक कोई एक कैटेगरी से दूसरी कैटेगरी में जाना, इतना ही नहीं है, हम दोनों देश इस विषय में अत्‍यंत गंभीर हैं और मुझे विश्‍वास है कि हमारे यह संबंध का नया रूप अधिक परिणामकारी और अधिक दायित्‍वपूर्ण रहेगा। ये स्‍पेशल स्‍ट्रेटेजिक इसलिए है कि भारत के विकास और परिवर्तन में जापान की आने वाले दिनों में और अधिक महत्‍वपूर्ण भूमिका रहने वाली है। आज प्रधानममंत्री आबे ने आश्‍वासन दिया है, एक प्रकार से शपथ ली है, कि भारत के इंस्‍क्‍लूसिव डेवलपमेंट में वह जापान का नए स्‍तर से सहयोग को और साझेदारी देंगे। हम लोग भली-भांति समझ सकते हैं कि आज प्रधानमंत्री आबे ने 3.5 ट्रिलियन येन, यानी कि अगर मैं भारत के रुपये के संदर्भ में कहूं तो 2 लाख 10 हजार करोड़ यानी कि 35 बिलियन डालर के पब्लिक और प्राइवेट इंवेस्‍टमेंट और फाइनेन्सिंग अगले पांच सालों में भारत में करने का लक्ष्‍य रखा है। मैं उनके इस महत्‍वपूर्ण निर्णय का हृदय से स्‍वागत करता हूं। यह किसी एक क्षेत्र तक सीमित नहीं है। प्रधानमंत्री जी ने मेरे विजन को समझते हुए हर क्षेत्र में सहयेाग देने का आश्‍वासन दिया है। आज मैं आपसे जब गंगा शुद्धीकरण की बात कर रहा था तो तुरंत उन्‍होंने कहा कि आप तय कीजिए कि आपको क्‍या मदद चाहिए। एक‍ विकसित और तेज गति से बढ़ता भारत न केवल एक विशाल आर्थिक अवसर रहेगा, जिससे जापान को भी बहुत लाभ मिलेगा, बल्कि वह दुनिया में लोकतांत्रिक शक्ति को मजबूत करेगा और स्थिरता बढ़ाने में एक बहुत बड़ा कारण रहेगा। मैं समझता हूं कि इसमें दोनों देशों का लाभ है और भी एक बात है कि हमारे संबंध सिर्फ आर्थिक रूप में नहीं हैं, बल्कि इस संबंध में और भी कई आयाम जुड़े हुए हैं। हम राजनीतिक संवाद और सहयोग को एक नए स्‍तर पर, एक नई ऊंचाई पर ले जाने के पक्ष में हैं। हमने हमारे रक्षा क्षेत्र क्षेत्र के संबंधों को भी एक दिशा देने का निर्णय लिया है। न केवल आपसी बातचीत और अभ्‍यास को बढ़ाने का, और मित्र देशों के साथ इन अभ्‍यास को करने का बल्कि टेक्नोलॉजी और इक्विपमेंट के क्षेत्र में भी साझेदारी बढ़ाएंगे। दोनों देशों का भविष्‍य सामुद्रिक सुरक्षा के साथ भली भांति जुड़ा हुआ है। कई और क्षेत्रों में जैसे एडवांस टेक्‍नोलॉजी, रसायन, शिक्षा, टेक्‍नोलॉजी, अनुसंधान और विकास ऐसे क्षेत्र में भी दोनों देशों के लाभ के लिए हम काम कर रहे हैं। समाज की चुनौती का समाधान ढूंढने के लिए हम भरसक प्रयास कर रहे हैं। विकसित भारत और सफल जापान, दोनों देशों के लिए यह लाभप्रद है। परंतु उससे अधिक महत्‍वपूर्ण यह है कि एशिया और विश्‍व में शांति, स्थिरता और स्‍मृद्धि बढ़ाने में बड़ा योगदान देंगे। ग्‍लोबल दृष्टिकोण से इसका यह अर्थ है कि भारत और जापान, एशिया के दो सबसे महत्‍वपूर्ण लोकतांत्रिक देश हैं और एशिया की तीन सबसे बड़ी इकोनोमी में शामिल हैं और हमारे संबंध इस पूरे क्षेत्र पर तो प्रभाव करेंगे ही, परंतु सारे विश्‍व पर भी इसका प्रभाव अनेक प्रकार से होने की संभावना, मैं देखता हूं। पूरा विश्‍व एक बात को मानता है भलीभांति और कनविंस है कि 21वीं सदी एशिया की सदी और पूरे विश्‍व में 21वीं सदी एशिया की सदी है, इसमें कोई कनफ्यूजन नहीं है। लेकिन 21वीं सदी कैसे हो, यह उस बात पर निर्भर करता है कि भारत और जापान मिल करके किस प्रकार की व्‍यूह रचना को अपनाते है, किस प्रकार की रणनीति आगे बढ़ते हैं, और कितनी घनिष्‍टता के साथ आगे बढ़ते हैं। यह काम हम भगवान बुद्ध के शांति और संवाद के रास्‍ते पर चलकर इस क्षेत्र में सभी देशों के साथ मिलकर इस लक्ष्‍य को प्राप्‍त करने का प्रयास करेंगे। दूसरा, इससे, दुनिया में कई विषयों पर जैसे नॉन पोलिप्रिफरेशन, स्‍पेस सिक्‍युरिटी, साइबर सिक्‍युरिटी, यू एन रिफार्मस और इस क्षेत्र के रीजनल फोरम्‍स में साथ मिलकर के हमारे जुड़े हुए हितों को आगे बढ़ा सकते हैं। तीसरा, हमारी साझेदारी अन्‍य क्षेत्र और विभिन्‍न देशों को लाभ पहुंचा सकती है, जहां हम साथ मिलकर काम कर सकते हैं, चाहे एशिया में हो या और क्षेत्रों में, आने वाले दिनों में हम इसे प्राथमि‍कता देने वाले हैं। स्‍ट्रेटेजिक पार्टनरशिप को जब हम स्‍पेशल स्‍ट्रेटेजिक पार्टनरशिप कहते हैं, तब इसका मतलब है कि पहले दोनों देशों के लिए इस संबंधों का महत्‍व बहुत बढ़ गया है। दोनों देशों की विदेश नीति में इस संबंध की प्राथमिकता नया रूप लेगी और हम दोनों देशों ने निर्णय लिया है कि इस संबंध को बढ़़ाने के लिए विशेष बल दिया जाएगा। हमारे सहयोग के अवसर की कोई सीमा नहीं है, ना ही दोनो तरफ इरादे और इच्‍छा की कोई कमी है। अगर हमारे पोटेंशियल को हासिल करना है तो स्‍पेशल तरीके से काम करना होगा, इसलिए मैने ‘जापान फास्ट ट्रैक चैनल’ बनाने का भी निर्णय लिया है दूसरा, हमने आज जो निर्णय लिये हैं, उससे हमारा गहरा आपसी विश्‍वास एक नए स्‍तर तक पहुंचा है। पिछले कुछ महीने में हमने सिविल न्‍यूकिलियर इनर्जी क्षेत्र में प्रगति की है। आज हमने इस विषय पर विस्‍तार से चर्चा भी की है और हम इससे आपसी समझ बढ़ाने में भी सफल हुए हैं। हमने अपने अधिकारियों को निर्देश दिया है कि इस काम को जल्‍द समाप्‍त करें ताकि हमारी स्‍ट्रेटेजिक पार्टनरशिप और मजबूत हो। उसी प्रकार जापान ने एक महत्‍वपूर्ण निर्णय लिया है कि हमारी कुछ कंपनियों पर लगे प्रतिबंधों को हटायेंगे। यह भी नए आपसी विश्‍वास का प्रमाण है। रक्षा के क्षेत्र में एमओयू साइन किया है और टेक्‍नोलोजी इंप्‍लीमेंट पर सहयोग का निर्णय लिया है। इन सबसे स्‍पष्‍ट होता है कि हमारे संबंध वास्‍तविक रूप में एक नए स्‍तर पर पहुंचे हैं। उसी प्रकार आर्थिक संबंधों को कई गुना बढ़ाने का जो हमने संकल्‍प किया है और जिस मात्रा में जापान ने सहायता करने का वचन और आश्‍वासन दिया है, वह भी विशेष संबंध का प्रमाण है। इस संबंध की विशेषता हमारे संबंध की प्राचीन नींव और दोनों देशों के लोगों में अटूट प्रेम और आदर भी अंतर्निहित हैं। हमने ऐसे निर्णय लिये हैं जिनसे भविष्‍य में संबंध और मजबूत होंगे। विशेष रूप से यूथ एक्‍सचेंज, लैंग्‍वेज ट्रेनिंग, हिंदी और जापानी भाषा में प्रशिक्षण, कल्‍चरल एक्‍सचेंज, अनुसंधान और विकास में साथ काम करना। इतना ही नहीं, इमने जो पांच और एग्रीमेंट साइन किये हैं- स्‍वास्‍थ्‍य, क्‍लीन एवं रिन्‍यूएबल इनर्जी, वीमेंस डेवलपमेंट, रोड्स एवं क्‍योटो-वाराणसी के बीच समझौता, वह दिखाते हैं कि हमारे संबंध हर क्षेत्र में उभर रहे हैं और लोगों के हितों से जुड़े हुए हैं। मैं प्रधानमंत्री आबे का पुन: आभार प्रकट करता हूं। मुझे विश्‍वास है कि हमारे संबंधों की यह एक नई सुबह है और नए विश्‍वास और ऊर्जा के साथ हम आगे बढ़ेंगे और हम जो नए स्‍तर की बात करते हैं, उसको हम जल्‍द ही वास्‍तविकता में बदल देंगे। मैं फिर एक बार प्रधानमंत्री जी का और मेरे परम मित्र का हृदय से बहुत-बहुत आभार व्‍यक्‍त करता हूं। जापान के नागरिकों का भी हृदय से आभार व्‍यक्‍त करता हूं। थैंक यू।

Banking on inclusion

In launching the most ambitious plan ever to extend basic banking services across the country, the government is fulfilling a promise made by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech. The launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana also marks the completion of 100 days in office by the NDA government. Many of the details of the scheme were made available in advance, but the official launch on Thursday was in itself historic. A record 1.5 crore accounts were opened on the day of the launch, and an upwardly revised target of opening 7.5 crore new accounts by January 26, 2015 looks achievable, given the high levels of enthusiasm seen on the opening day. There has been close coordination among the government, the States and the bankers, and it is hoped that this will continue in equal measure to ensure the success of the scheme. For the NDA government, there will be a large number of positive political and economic spin-offs from the successful implementation of the scheme. Apart from making available basic banking facilities to every household, it is designed to provide social security through insurance schemes, and in select cases, pension schemes. This will be no mean achievement, given the absence of even a rudimentary social security cover for a very large number of people. In due course, the government plans to route cash transfers in lieu of subsidies through these accounts. That would pave the way for a comprehensive reform of the subsidy regime for a number of essential commodities.

The sheer size and complexity of the logistics involved in executing the gigantic inclusion plan will continue to amaze long after the initial glitches are ironed out. To be executed in two phases — the first will be for a year, while the second phase will be between 2015 and 2018 — the Jan Dhan Yojana plans to extend financial services in a country where only 58.7 per cent of an estimated 24.67 crore households have access to banking services. The scheme targets households rather than individuals, and uses technology extensively to further inclusion. Since opening physical bank branches on such a large scale is out of the question, the scheme will rely on a large number of business agents or correspondents for the last mile. It is therefore important to provide incentives to this category of intermediaries to ensure their total involvement. Experience with mandated inclusion programmes suggests that the new account-holders need to be kept engaged for sufficiently long periods. TheRuPay smart card is probably an answer, as it will keep the account-holders connected with the banks. For the macroeconomy, the big benefit will be fewer physical cash transactions — a development that will aid in the implementation of official policies.