India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to promote heritage conservation, city modernisation and to contribute in the field of art,culture and education between Kyoto and Varanasi.

Spokesman of Ministry of External Affairs Syed Akbaruddin said that the treaty was signed in Kyoto in presence of Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. He also said , the treaty was signed under smart heritage city program .

Ambassador of India in Japan Deepa Wadhwa and Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa have singed the treaty for their respective countries. The Governor and Mayor of Kyoto are likely to make a presentation on the steps being taken to preserve the heritage and culture of the city tomorrow.

On the other hand, the Prime Minister of Japan has also hosted a dinner for Narendra Modi at Kyoto State guest house as a special gesture.

Earlier, the AIR India's Special flight carrying Modi and Indian delegations including senior officials landed at Osaka International Airport. The Chief Protocol Officer greeted Mr. Modi at the airport.