March 2015 A quarterly newsletter from the Embassy of Japan, India Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Fumio Kishida, with External Affairs Minister of India, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, during his visit to New Delhi on 17 January 2015 (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan) CONTENTS Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida Visits India (January 16-17, 2015) P- 2 Policy Speech by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the 189th Session of the Diet, delivered on February 12, 2015 P-4 Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Japan (March 14 - 18, 2015) P-5 METI State Minister Takagi Visits India P-6 Japanese Business Establishments in India P-8 Japan's State Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism participates in the High Speed Rail Seminar in New Delhi P-10 India-Japan Science Seminar commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Science and Technology Cooperation P-11 Signing Ceremony For Four New Grassroots Grant Assistance Projects in the amount of 350 thousand US Dollars P-12 Signing of Exchange of Notes on Japanese ODA Loan of 53.023 Billion JPY P-12 Updates from Consulates P-13 South Asia Federation of Japanese Universities Alumni Association (SAFJUAA)8th Annual Meeting held in New Delhi (March 14, 2015) P-17 India-Japan Education Summits in New Delhi and Hyderabad - Student Recruitment and Collaboration with Japanese Universities - February 2015 P-18 Exploring Japan: Cherry Blossoms in Japan P-19 Videos on Japan's Foreign Policy P-20 Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida Visits India (January 16-17, 2015) Eighth Japan-India Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Fumio Kishida, during swaying its footstep. Furthermore, Minister Kishida said that with the his visit to India, held the Eighth Japan-India Foreign Ministers' arrival of an era in which the Indo-Pacific region becomes the Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister of India, Mrs. epicenter of global prosperity, the Japan-India partnership is a special Sushma Swaraj, on January 17, 2015 for approximately four hours. relationship that will lead the new era and that, based on this The overview of the dialogue is as follows: The dialogue started with a recognition, he chose India as the first country to visit following his small group meeting in which the two ministers discussed the reappointment. Minister Kishida also explained that he gave a speech enhancement of regional connectivity including the development of at the Indian Council of World Affairs to convey the importance of this Northeast India, cooperation in the infrastructure field, and civil special partnership. nuclear cooperation for approximately 35 minutes. The two ministers then exchanged views on the bilateral relationship, cooperation in the (2) Political and Security Affairs international arena, and strategic regional cooperation in an expanded The two Ministers affirmed the promotion of political dialogue meeting for approximately two hours. The dialogue ended with a including Japan-India-U.S. trilateral cooperation, and security working dinner in which the two ministers discussed mainly on cooperation such as joint maritime exercises. In particular, the both regional affairs over one hour. Ministers agreed that a vice-ministerial-level 2+2 dialogue will be Ahead of the dialogue, Minister Kishida gave a policy speech at the held at an early timing. Furthermore, Minister Kishida expressed his Indian Council of World Affairs on the subject of “Special Partnership appreciation for the support H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister for the Era of the Indo-Pacific.” of India, showed for Japan's policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” at the Japan-India Summit Meeting in September last year and (Note: The Japan-India Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue has been explained the current situation regarding the development of Japan's held in Japan and India alternately since 2007. The last dialogue was security legislation. held in Tokyo in March 2013). (3) Disarmament and non-proliferation 1. Bilateral relations Minister Kishida said that he is well aware of India's position on (1) Beginning disarmament and non-proliferation, while Japan is pursuing the Minister Kishida said that Japan, based on remorse regarding the war, universalization of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear has consistently contributed to the prosperity of the world as a peace Weapons (NPT), and hopes that India will make constructive efforts loving nation and will continue to make such contributions without including the continuation of its moratorium on nuclear tests. The two 2 Japan Calling ministers confirmed that both countries will cooperate in areas where cooperation is possible. (4) Economy and economic cooperation As a follow-up to the “Japan-India Investment Promotion Partnership,” Minister Kishida explained that, in connection with the goal of doubling Japan's direct investment and the number of Japanese companies in India in five years, as of October 2014 the number of Japanese companies in India had risen by 137 compared to the previous year, to 1,209. Minister Kishida said that the improvement of the business environment continues to be essential and that he wants to build a win-win relationship with efforts of both sides. Furthermore, Minister Kishida said that the Japanese business community has high expectations for the Japan Plus team and conveyed his strong hope that it will function effectively. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Fumio Kishida, paying a courtesy On high-speed railway system, Minister Kishida welcomed the call on Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi progress on the joint feasibility study on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route and expressed his hope that it will become the first route in which Shinkansen system is introduced in India. Regarding ODA, Minister Kishida welcomed the recent signing of exchange of notes on a yen loan of 50 billion yen for infrastructure development in India and said that he wants to cooperate in ways that benefit both Japan and India. (5) Science and technology cooperation Both Ministers shared their recognition that science and technology is extremely important as a new area of strategic cooperation and shared the view that they will advance concrete cooperation as this year marks the 30th anniversary of the conclusion of the Japan-India Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Science and Technology. 2. Cooperation in the international arena and strategic regional cooperation Minister Kishida placing a wreath at Rajghat In connection with cooperation in the international arena, the two Ministers confirmed close cooperation in the United Nations Security Council reform. Regarding strategic regional cooperation, they exchanged views on topics such as the WTO (World Trade Organization) and RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership). Furthermore, Minister Kishida said that he wants to enhance connectivity within SAARC (the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and that he hopes to work together with India to strengthen connectivity between SAARC and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations). In this regard, Minister Kishida explained that a study has been underway since this month on a project to improve the road network in Northeast India. 3. Regional affairs At the working dinner, the two Ministers exchanged views on the security environment in East and Southeast Asia, as well as that South Asia including Sri Lanka, and situations in the Middle East, Africa and Minister Kishida giving a policy speech at the Indian Council of World Affairs other regions. (All photos and text: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan) Japan Calling 3 Policy Speech by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the 189th Session of the Diet, delivered on February 12, 2015 (Photos: Cabinet Public Relations Office, the Government of Japan) Prime Minister Shinzo Abe began his address by condemning the terrorist incident in Syria in which Japanese nationals were murdered, and This year, the 70th anniversary of the UN, Japan will bid for a non- expressed his deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the families permanent seat on the UN Security Council. We are determined to play a of the victims. He added that his government will continue to take all major role in reforming the UN in a manner suitable for the 21st century. possible measures to secure the safety of Japanese nationals at home and This is precisely the year in which Japan will raise the banner of abroad, including the enhancement of measures at Japan's borders. “Proactive Contribution to Peace” even higher and be a country trusted by Through humanitarian assistance, including food and medical assistance, the world. I intend to make this a year befitting the 70 years since the end Japan will steadfastly fulfill its responsibilities to the international of WWII. community combatting terrorism. Diplomacy that takes a panoramic perspective of the world map He outlined his government's policies on economic revitalization, restoration from disaster, social security reforms, the rebuilding of Japan will continue to carry out proactive diplomacy that takes a education, revitalization of local economies in Japan, women's panoramic perspective of the world map, working with countries such as empowerment, as well as diplomacy and security. Australia, the ASEAN member states, India, and European countries, with whom we share the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, EXCERPTS FROM THE POLICY SPEECH basic human rights, and the rule of law. “Proactive Contribution to Peace” 70 Years after the War The Japan-U.S. Alliance is the linchpin of our diplomacy. Over the past This year marks 70 years since the end of WWII. two years, the bonds of the Japan-U.S. Alliance have been reinvigorated, Japan has earnestly built up a free and democratic nation based on and have become unwavering. We will proceed with the revision of the feelings of deep remorse regarding WWII and contributed to peace and Guidelines for Japan-U.S.