Freedom of navigation in South China Sea, punishing perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and stopping cross-border terrorism figured prominently during the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe on Saturday.
In their joint statement issued after the talks, the two leaders shared concerns about the growing threat and universal reach of extremism and strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Calling for zero tolerance on violence, they expressed concern over the continued threat posed by terror groups.
In this regard the two PMs underlined the need for all countries to effectively deal with trans-national terrorism emanating from their territory and called for stronger international partnership including increased information and intelligence sharing. They also called for eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disrupting terrorist networks, financing channels, and stopping cross-border movement of terrorists. They urged countries to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267 and other relevant resolutions designating terrorist entities.
“They affirmed the importance of bringing the perpetrators of terrorist attacks including those of November 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai to justice,” the joint statement said.
Noting the developments in the South China Sea, Modi and Abe called upon countries to avoid unilateral actions that could lead to tensions in the region saying sea lanes are critical link of communications for regional energy security and trade and commerce. They were of the view that effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and early conclusion of the negotiations to establish a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea by consensus will contribute to peace and stability of the region. Modi and Abe also underscored the importance of international law including the United Nations Convention on the law of the Sea (UNClOS) and peaceful resolution of disputes without use or threat of use of force;
freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce in international waters.
Among other international issues, Modi and Abe discussed North Korea’s contentious nuclear programme and expressed concern over its continued development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, including its uranium enrichment activities. “They urged North Korea to take actions towards the denuclearising of the Korean Peninsula. They also urged North Korea to address at the earliest the abductions issue,” the statement said.
On the occasion of the 70th year since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, PMs reaffirmed their shared commitment to the total elimination of nuclear weapons. They called for an immediate commencement and early conclusion of negotiations on a non-discriminatory, multilateral and internationally and effectively verifiable Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) on the basis of Shannon Mandate.
Underlining the need for closer coordination and effective communication to address challenges in spheres of security, stability and sustainable development, Modi and Abe agreed to strengthen regional economic and security forums and coordinate their actions to tackle global challenges including the reform of the United Nations, climate change as well as terrorism.
Japan welcomed India’s intensified engagement with export control regimes and the two Prime Ministers affirmed their commitment to work together for India to become a full member in the four international export control regimes: Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group, with the aim of strengthening the international non-proliferation efforts.
Modi welcomed the “Japan-India Make-in-India Special Finance Facility” up to 1.5 trillion Yen by Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). It aims to promote direct investment of Japanese companies and trade from Japan to India, to support their business activities with counterparts in India.
Abe expressed Japan’s intention to provide ODA loans for the improvement of road network connectivity in northeastern states of India, the peripheral ring road surrounding Bengaluru, and the horticulture irrigation in Jharkhand. Modi also welcomed the Japanese ODA loans of about 100 billion yen for the metro projects in Chennai and Ahmedabad.