March 21, 2023
2 mins read

 Kishida announces over $75 bn assistance for Indo-Pacific 

“In September this year, I will again get the opportunity to welcome PM Fumio Kishida to India for the G20 Leaders’ Summit,” Modi said…reports Asian Lite News

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday announced over USD 75 billion worth of infrastructure and security assistance for the Indo-Pacific during his visit to India.

The new development assistance, to be supplied by 2030 in conjunction with the private sector, came as Kishida outlined his own vision for a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” He credited his late predecessor Shinzo Abe with pushing the concept back in 2016.

Since then, Kishida said, the international community has seen major events that could be described as paradigm shifts, including the COVID pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This obliges “us to face the most fundamental challenge — defending peace,” the Japanese leader said.

Kishida’s two-day visit to India comes against a backdrop of not only war in Europe but also concerns about growing Chinese influence across the Indo-Pacific region. This has included major infrastructure investment under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, fueling development but also raising concerns about unsustainable debt in Global South nations such as Sri Lanka, according to Nikkei Asia.

The Japanese Prime Minister has called for advancing “quality infrastructure investment,” in line with the goals of the Group of 20, chaired by India this year. The PM has as part of the proposed aid, also offered free security assistance to the armed forces of like-minded nations.

But he also warned against unchecked “division and confrontation.”

“In the international community, a big balance of power change is occurring,” he said in his speech, which was delivered in Japanese. The idea of a free and open Indo-Pacific, he stressed, is rooted in the rule of law as well as respect for diversity, inclusiveness and openness. “In other words, we do not exclude anyone, we do not create camps.”

Kishida added, “I believe we should aim for a world where diverse nations coexist and prosper together under the rule of law without falling into the geopolitical competition.” Saying his vision required the cooperation of multiple stakeholders, he said, “Of course, India is indispensable.”

PM Modi, his Japan counterpart Kishida on Monday exchanged views on defence equipment and technology cooperation, trade, health, digital partnership and also had a fruitful discussion on importance of reliable supply chains in semiconductor and other critical technologies.

The two leaders had “excellent talks” during Kishida’s visit to New Delhi with PM Modi stating that strengthening bilateral partnership is not only important for both our countries, it also promotes peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (ANI)

ALSO READ-PM Modi holds talks Kishida

Previous Story

India slams attack on consulate in US

Next Story

PTI leader, 9 others killed in Abbottabad attack

Latest from -Top News

Alive With Opportunity

UK-India relationship ‘Alive with Opportunity’ as HMS Richmond hosts business showcase. The event was attended by more than 400 leading figures representing government, businesses, investors, and cultural icons, celebrating the strengthening partnership

India Builds Bridges at G20

Union Minister Jitin Prasada attended the meeting and held bilateral talks with counterparts from member nations….reports Asian Lite News India held talks with several nations on strengthening trade and technology ties, focusing

Balochistan Bleeds Again

Leading rights groups have accused Pakistani forces of abducting several Baloch civilians amid a surge in disappearances, killings, and torture across the province….reports Asian Lite News Leading human rights organisations have alleged

Trade War Back On?

Alongside with Tariff, Trump has also rolled out new export controls on critical software….reports Asian Lite News After a period of relative calm, with four major rounds of trade negotiations between the

India, Japan eye Central Asia

Initial projects could focus on logistics hubs, renewable energy ventures, and agro-processing plants that address the region’s immediate economic needs…report Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Tokyo established
Go toTop

Don't Miss

PM Modi addresses Manipur’s struggle

The violence first broke out in Manipuron May 3, which

India denounces BBC documentary on Modi

Prominent Indian-origin UK citizens condemned the series. Prominent UK Citizen