Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said that India's relations with Japan are important, not only for economic development, but also because Japan is a natural and indispensable partner in India's quest for stability and peace in Asia that is washed by the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Addressing a gathering of the Japan-India Friendship league, Japan-India Association and International Friendship Exchange Council in Tokyo yesterday, the Prime Minister stressed upon the need for maritime security across Indian and Pacific Oceans for regional and global prosperity.
Dr Singh said India and Japan should uphold the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded lawful commerce in accordance with international law. The Prime Minister also mooted a three-point co-operation programme for fostering a climate of peace, stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
Dr Manmohan Singh will have bilateral discussions with his Japanese counterpart Mr Shinzo Abe later today. Following the summit, both leaders are likely to sign a few agreements relating to trade, investments, security and people-to-people ties.
Our correspondent covering the Prime Minister’s visit reports that in the wake of recent developments on various accounts in Asia, today’s India Japan Annual summit gains utmost importance in the global context. All eyes turn towards Tokyo where the Prime Ministers of India and Japan are scheduled to hold summit level discussions later today . Dr Singh and Mr Abe will discuss all aspects of their bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and review the ongoing major investment projects like Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and Infrastructure Development Corridor between Bengalore-Chennai. The outcome of their discussions will have wide relevance especially in the backdrop of multiple challenges that Asian and surrounding countries are facing with respect to trade, economy, technology and security areas.

Dr Singh will also be meeting Japan's top leadership ahead of the India-Japan Annual Bilateral Summit. Besides meeting Japanese Economy and Trade Minister, Fumio Kishida and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, he will also hold discussions with the Leader of the Democratic Party of Japan before the summit level meeting. He will also have audience and luncheon with the Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.