Japan has expressed its keenness to strengthen economic ties with India.

Ahead of delegation level talks with the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh later this evening, Mr. Yoshihiro Noda said that he will hold wide ranging talks with his Indian counterpart on political, economic and security issues in his summit meeting.

He was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan this morning.

The two countries are expected to sign a currency swap deal worth ten billion US dollars. Japan is also expected to announce an investment of 4.5 billion dollar investment for Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor project.

The External Affairs Minister SM Krishna called on Mr. Noda to discuss issues of mutual concerns and international developments with the visiting dignitaries.

The visiting PM will call on the Vice President, Mohd. Hamid Ansari and will exchange views with several other leaders, including UPA Chairperson and leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

The Japanese Prime Minister is addressing captains of industry and strategic experts to boost ties between the two countries. Indo-Japan Civil Nuclear Cooperation is at the centre of talks between the two leaders later in the day. The two countries have already held three rounds of talks on the issue.