India and Japan will hold the fourth strategic dialogue tomorrow. Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada, who arrives in New Delhi in the morning, will hold talks with his Indian Counter part S M Krishana on a wide gamut of issues. The two leaders will review the status of the relationship between the two countries which had held nuclear negotiations in June this year. Secreatry East in the Ministry of External Affairs, Gautam Bambawale rejected reports that the recent declaration made by Mayor of Nagasaki criticising the Japanese government for launching nuclear cooperation talks with India will have any negative impact on the talks. He said though there is no timeline for a pact, the next round of talks will be held sooner rather than later. He said India is aware of the sensitivities reflected in some viewpoints expressed in that country and it is appreciative of those viewpoints. But it is up to the government of Japan to take care of such issues. Before his departure Okada told a press conference that he will discuss with the Indian leadership issues like bilateral civilian nuclear cooperation pact and a free trade agreement, negotiations for which are on. Besides civil nuclear cooperation, the two sides will also discuss economic ties, situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, reforms in the U.N. and expansion of its Security Council.Japanese Foreign Minister will call on the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to exchange ideas on the issues of mutual intrest. The two sides are also expected to take stock of the negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement and easing of high-tech trade to India. Our correspondent reports that Okada's visit is aimed at firming up the agenda for Prime Minister Manmohan trip to Tokyo later this year.
News On AIR | August 20, 2010 7:03 PM
India-Japan to hold fourth strategic dialogue tomorrow