PM Modi to visit Japan & China from August 29 to September 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant diplomatic visit to Japan and China from August 29 to September 1, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The visit marks an important step in strengthening bilateral ties with two of India’s key partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan Summit
The PM will first visit Japan from August 29 to 30, where he will participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba. The summit is a significant event in the calendar of bilateral ties between the two countries, which have been growing stronger in recent years. The summit provides an opportunity for PM Modi to engage with Japanese leaders and discuss key issues of mutual interest, including trade, investment, and security.
The India-Japan partnership has been strengthening rapidly in recent years, with the two countries signing several key agreements in areas such as defense, connectivity, and education. In 2017, the two countries signed the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has provided a framework for deeper cooperation in various sectors.
Japan is one of India’s key partners in the Asia-Pacific region, and the two countries share a strong convergence of interests on issues such as the Indo-Pacific region, counter-terrorism, and non-proliferation. PM Modi’s visit to Japan is expected to focus on strengthening this partnership and exploring new areas of cooperation.
SCO Summit in China
After his visit to Japan, PM Modi will travel to China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. The SCO is a regional organization that aims to promote economic, political, and security cooperation among its member states.
India became a full member of the SCO in 2017, and this will be PM Modi’s first attendance at the SCO Summit since then. The summit provides an opportunity for PM Modi to engage with other SCO leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, and discuss key issues such as regional security, counter-terrorism, and trade.
The SCO Summit is also expected to focus on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive infrastructure project launched by China aimed at connecting the country with other parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. India has been critical of the BRI, citing concerns over its potential impact on Indian sovereignty and the debt burden it may impose on smaller countries.
However, India has also been engaging with China on the BRI, and PM Modi’s visit to China may provide an opportunity to discuss ways to cooperate on specific projects and ensure that the initiative benefits all countries involved.
Significance of the Visit
PM Modi’s visit to Japan and China is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores India’s growing engagement with the Asia-Pacific region and its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with key partners.
Secondly, the visit provides an opportunity for PM Modi to engage with Japanese and Chinese leaders on key issues of mutual interest, including trade, investment, and security. The visit is also expected to focus on strengthening the India-Japan partnership and exploring new areas of cooperation.
Finally, the visit highlights India’s commitment to multilateralism and its engagement with regional organizations such as the SCO. The SCO Summit provides an opportunity for PM Modi to engage with other SCO leaders and discuss key issues such as regional security and trade.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PM Modi’s visit to Japan and China from August 29 to September 1 is an important diplomatic engagement that will strengthen India’s bilateral ties with key partners in the Asia-Pacific region. The visit will focus on strengthening the India-Japan partnership, exploring new areas of cooperation, and engaging with regional organizations such as the SCO.
The visit is significant for several reasons, including India’s growing engagement with the Asia-Pacific region, its commitment to multilateralism, and its desire to strengthen bilateral ties with key partners. As PM Modi embarks on this visit, India can expect to strengthen its position in the region and promote its interests in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-visit-japan-china-sco-august-10205409/lite/
