PM Modi holds key talks with counterparts from Japan, New Zealand on sidelines of ASEAN-India Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held his first bilateral meeting with Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, in Laos on Thursday (10 Oct), on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit.

“Had a very productive meeting with PM Ishiba. I’m happy to have met him just a few days after he became Japan’s PM. Our talks included ways to enhance cooperation in infrastructure, connectivity, defence and more. Boosting cultural linkages was also discussed,” said Prime Minister Modi.

Ishiba, who became Japan’s Prime Minister last week, succeeded Fumio Kishida, who resigned to make way for new leadership.

The Indian Prime Minister highlighted that India continues to place great importance on its relationship with Japan, a trusted friend and strategic partner, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

“Boosting Japan-India ties, Strengthening Act East policy. PM @narendramodi and PM @shigeruishiba of Japan held fruitful talks today, on the sidelines of the 21st Asean-India Summit. Discussions focused on deepening partnership in technology, trade, defence and security, cultural and P2P exchanges,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X.

“The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership through enhanced cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade and investment, infrastructure development, defence and security, semiconductors, skilling, culture and people-to-people exchanges,” added the MEA.

Both leaders stressed the importance of India and Japan as essential partners for ensuring peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to working together to achieve these objectives, the statement further mentioned. The two Prime Ministers will meet again during the India-Japan Annual Summit.

In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Modi also engaged in bilateral talks with New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon.

“Had an excellent meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Christopher Luxon. We value our friendship with New Zealand, bound together by a commitment to democracy, freedom and the rule of law. Our talks covered sectors such as economic cooperation, tourism, education and innovation,” Modi stated in a post on X.

“Further expanding areas of partnership. PM @narendramodi met PM @Chrisluxonmp of New Zealand on the sidelines of the 21st Asean-India Summit today,” Jaiswal said in another post on X.

According to the MEA, the two leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, defence, renewable energy, education, dairy, agri-tech, sports, tourism, space, and people-to-people connections.

“They noted that frequent high-level contacts have imparted a strong momentum to bilateral relations. In this context, they recalled the recent visit of the President of India to New Zealand, which was a huge success,” the statement added. Prime Minister Modi also welcomed New Zealand’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance.

(With inputs from agencies)