Seeking greater cooperation from India, Abe makes veiled attack on China

Ahmedabad, Sept 14: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today advocated for a much stronger relationship between his country and India and linked it to certain developments in Asia Pacific region and insisted for respect for 'rule of law' apparently in reference to China’s alleged expansionary activities in the South China Sea. "Both the countries favour regional peace and autonomy of various countries in Asia Pacific region. Both India and Japan want creation of jobs, but a development where people's wishes are respected. To make this fruitful, India and Japan will work more closely," Mr Abe said at the foundation stone laying ceremony for India's first high-speed bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. He said the Indo-Japan bond is now understood more from a "special, strategic and global partnership". Laying emphasis on India-Japan stronger ties in Asia Pacific context, he said both the countries value "democracy, human rights and rule of law" and hence would not appreciate the use of "force" for bringing about any changes or to disturb regional peace. The relationship between his country and India should be no longer confined to "bilateral paradigm". "Japan's 'Ja' and India's 'I' would jointly signify "Jai Japan-Jai India"," said Mr Abe addressing a mammoth gathering after jointly laying the foundation stone for Bullet Train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Abe also pitched for stronger defence ties with India and significantly enough, this comes on the backdrop that both India and Japan would prefer continuing the trilateral collaboration in maritime drills involving the United States. Before his departure from Tokyo for Ahmedabad yesterday, according to reports, Mr Abe had said, “I want us to take a big step so that this shinkansen project, which heralded the start of Japan’s own rapid economic growth, will serve as a spark for further growth in India,” Speaking at Sabarmati Ashram yesterday during his visit with Mr Modi, the Japanese PM has said that, “Japan will share freely its knowledge concerning railway safety, including the Shinkansen technology and work together in ensuring the safety of railways across India". On cultural front, Mr Abe also assured support in training a total of 1,000 Japanese language teachers in India over the next five years. UNI