India and Japan have agreed to intensify talks on civil nuclear cooperation to move forward towards signing a civil pact. The two countries have decided to launch two new dialogue mechanisms on cyber and maritime security. The dialogue between the nations will be held at the level of foreign Ministry officials.

Addressing a joint perss conference along with his Japanes counterpart Koichiro Gemba, External Affairs Minister Mr S M Krishna expressed satisfaction over the strategic and global partnership between the two countries. He said, during the 6th India – Japan Strategic Dialogue today ,both sides reviewed political and security cooperation between the two nations.

Mr. Krishna said that in the 1st Ministerial-level Economic Dialogue between the two countries, both the sides also discussed the possibility of civil nuclear cooperation. He also anounced that the first naval exercise between the two countries will be held later this year . In reply to a question, he said that Indian Navy will decide the time and place of the naval exercise.

Both foreign Minister discussed important international and regional issues, including situation in Afghanistan, Myanmar and North Korea's nuclear programme

On the economic front, Mr Krishna said, India and Japan have agreed to accelerate cooperation in the flagship DMIC or Delhi – Mumbai Industrial Corridor project. Cooperation in the railways sector including the ongoing Dedicated Freight Corridor project as well as the possibility of India obtaining High Speed Rail technology from Japan were also discussed. Prelimnary talks were also held on chalking out a Comprehensive Master Plan for the Chennai – Bengaluru Corridor project.

AIR correspondent reports that Last year, Japan has expressed intention to invest 4.5 billion dollars in the DMIC project over the next five years. The bilateral trade target of 25 billion dollars is expected to be achieved by 2014 .