Article Posted on : - May 30, 2013

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh shakes hands with his Japanese counterpart Abe Shinzo after exchanging documents they signed in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday. Photo: PTI.

TOKYO (PTI): At a time when China is flexing its muscles in the Asia-Pacific region, India and Japan on Wednesday welcomed the expanding bilateral defence ties and agreed to further cooperate on maritime issues to ensure freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce.

Terming Japan as a partner, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that at a time of global uncertainties, change and challenges, India and Japan are "natural and indispensable partners for advancing prosperity in our two countries and for a peaceful, stable, cooperative and prosperous future for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions".

This was also reflected in the joint statement that was issued after the meeting between Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.

"The two Prime Ministers reiterated the commitment of India and Japan to the freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," the statement said.

The two leaders noted ongoing bilateral exchanges on maritime security including counter-piracy activities, participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises as well as sharing of information, "and in this context, welcomed the joint exercises between the Coast Guards of India and Japan held off Chennai in January 2012 and in Tokyo Bay in November 2012".

"They expressed their expectations to further promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation on maritime issues," the statement said.

The two Prime Ministers also "welcomed the expanding defence relations between the two countries based on the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation between India and Japan".

The remarks came amidst flexing of muscles by China in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

China has in the recent past used its naval ships and aircraft to intimidate neighbouring countries including Japan which are in dispute with Beijing over maritime rights.

Piqued over Japan's warm ties with India, an influential Chinese daily had on Tuesday said New Delhi's wisdom lies in dealing with its disputes with Beijing calmly undisturbed by "internal and international provocateurs".

Condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the two Prime Ministers underlined the need to adopt a holistic approach that ensures zero tolerance towards terrorism.

"The two Prime Ministers condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purpose," the joint statement said.

They reiterated that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism, and the need to adopt a holistic approach that ensures zero tolerance towards terrorism.

The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the meetings of the India-Japan Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism and their cooperation in multilateral fora.

They recognise the need to finalise and adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations, it said.

On the issue of Afghanistan, both leaders renewed their intention to assist the war-torn country's efforts to become a stable, democratic and pluralistic state, adhering to rule of law.

They welcomed the outcomes of the successful Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan in July 2012 for development and security assistance from Transition to Transformation Decade.

"Recognising that the main threat to Afghanistan's security and stability is terrorism, they emphasised the need for joint and concerted efforts and cooperation among regional and other countries to address the challenge of terrorism.

"The two Prime Ministers supported the efforts made by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for reconciliation process that is Afghan-led, inclusive and transparent," the statement said.

The two leaders also expressed concern over North Korea's continued development of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, including its uranium enrichment activities.