Modi-Abe talks to spur defence ties

Boosting cooperation in defence and security is likely to be a major focus area when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart hold the annual summit talks on Thursday in Gandhi Nagar in Gujarat. 

There may be specific discussions on long-pending Indian proposal to buy the US-2 amphibious aircraft from Japan and joint development of military equipment to further deepen the defence ties in sync with strategic partnership between the two countries, official sources said.

The annual Indo-Japan summit is taking place amid escalating tension in the region in the wake of the nuclear test by North Korea and China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, and Modi and Abe are expected to deliberate on them.

On Wednesday afternoon, Modi received Abe, who is accompanied by his wife Akie, with his characteristic hug at the airport.

Immediately after the welcome ceremony, Abe, his wife, and Modi set-off on an 8-km roadshow in an open-roof jeep for the Sabarmati Ashram where apostle of peace Mahatma Gandhi spent considerable time of his life.

Abe, who was in a formal suit when he arrived at the Ahmedabad airport, wore kurta-pyjama and a blue Nehru jacket, while his wife donned red salwar-kameez and a white stole to Sabarmati Ashram. The two leaders repeatedly waved to the crowds that lined up the streets as performers presented traditional dance enroute. 

At the Sabarmati Ashram set up by Mahatma Gandhi, Abe and his wife paid homage to the Father of the Nation. Modi was seen explaining to the visiting dignitaries the significance of the spinning wheel. They also visited 16th century Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. This was Modi’s first visit to the famed mosque. During his UAE visit two years ago, he had visited the Grand Mosque.