#JustIn: PM Modi leaves for Japan to attend annual summit
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday left for Japan to attend the annual summit with his counterpart Shinzo Abe. In a statement Friday, before leaving for Japan, Modi described India and Japan as a "winning combination" and said the island nation is New Delhi's most trusted partner in its economic and technological modernization. The summit will be held on October 28 and 29. Here's more.
Japan visit
India, Japan have a special strategic and global partnership: Modi
Modi said it will be his 12th meeting with Abe since he first visited Japan as Prime Minister in September 2014. "We have a special strategic and global partnership. It's today a partnership of great substance and purpose. It rests on the strong pillars of India's Act East Policy, and our shared vision and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," he said.
Projects
Japanese investors have faith in India's economic future
On projects such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail and Dedicated Freight Corridors, PM Modi said it reflects the high level and "strength of our economic engagement." "Japan is also at the forefront of engaging in our national initiatives, such as 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Digital India', 'Start-Up India'... Japanese investors have faith in India's economic future, which is marked with myriad opportunities," Modi said.
Interactions
Modi to see some of Japan's high-tech capabilities in robotics
Talking about innovation, technologies, Modi said during his visit, he will have a chance to see some of Japan's high-tech capabilities in robotics. "I'll also address the Indian community. These interactions will help to further strengthen our trade, investment ties, and cooperation in new areas such as healthcare, digital technologies, agriculture, and food processing, disaster risk reduction and disaster resilient infrastructure," he said.
Hosting
Last year, Abe and his wife visited Modi's home-state, Gujarat
PM Modi also recalled he hosted Prime Minister Abe and his wife Akie Abe in his home state Gujarat last year. In a special gesture, Modi will be hosted by his Japanese counterpart for a private dinner at his holiday home in the picturesque Yamanashi prefecture on October 28, which will be, perhaps, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.