Best time for India-Japan ties yet to come: PM Modi

Modi wrote for the Japanese media platform after he reached Tokyo on the invitation of Japan's Prime Minister for several engagements including the second in-person Quad Summit which will be held on May 24.

"In my opinion, the best time is yet to come. India and Japan are now looking to revitalize and rebuild their economies during the post-coronavirus period, further deepening our involvement in all areas, from trade to investment to defense and security," he said in the article.

The Prime Minister said that the two countries will further cooperate in the cyber, space, and underwater areas,

"Penned an op-ed on the vibrant relations between India and Japan. Ours is a partnership for peace, stability and prosperity. I trace the journey of our special friendship which completes 70 glorious years," he wrote on Twitter.

He said that India-Japan partnership is for peace, stability and prosperity.

The Prime Minister specifically mentioned that the two countries are key pillars of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.

"Closer India Japan cooperation is vital in the post-COVID world. Our nations are firmly committed to democratic values. Together, we are key pillars of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region. I am equally glad that we are working closely in various multilateral forums as well," he added.

Modi said that he had the opportunity of regularly interacting with the Japanese people since his days as the Gujarat Chief Minister.

"Japan's developmental strides have always been admirable. Japan is partnering with India in key sectors including infrastructure, technology, innovation, start-ups and more," he added.

In the op-ed for the Japanese newspaper, the Prime Minister laid special emphasis on ensuring an open, free and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

"We will contribute to an open, free and inclusive Indo-Pacific. That is characterized by a safe ocean connection, integration by trade and investment, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law," he wrote.

The Prime Minister went on to say that the two democracies, located in the strategically important Indo-Pacific, can be important cornerstones of stability and security in the region.

"That is why the relationship between the two countries is expanding and the defense cooperation between the two countries is rapidly becoming closer, from joint exercises to information exchange and the defense industry," he added.

The PM further wrote that a crisis can sometimes be a bigger challenge and accelerate change.

"That is why, now that the world is at a turning point, the relationship between the two countries requires more responsibility and urgency," he wrote.

Modi further said that he is confident that the meeting with Prime Minister Kishida will make solid progress towards the realisation of the ambitious agenda.