India and Japan draw closer as leaders tighten economic and military ties
India and Japan also sign a $75bn bilateral currency swap agreement, adding to confidence-building measures
Tokyo — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to seek closer economic and military ties on Monday as the Japanese leader extended a diplomatic charm offensive that last week took him to India’s regional rival, China. In a joint statement, the two leaders said they would begin regular talks between their foreign and defence ministers and committed to extending cooperation in areas ranging from agriculture and digital technology to investment in Indian rail projects and infrastructure. Abe and Modi also said they would conclude a $75bn bilateral currency swap agreement and welcomed an agreement to deepen cooperation between their two navies. “A strong India benefits Japan and a strong Japan benefits India,” Abe told reporters after he and Modi signed the statement. The talks in Tokyo on Monday followed separate talks on regional issues between the two men the day before at Abe’s vacation home near Mount Fuji, the first time he has invited a ...
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