In a significant move, India and Japan have finally inked the civil nuclear deal during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan. The deal—which has been in the making for six years now—is a major step ahead in India’s dream of clean energy solutions.
“Today’s signing of the Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy marks a historic step in our engagement to build a clean energy partnership,’’ said PM Modi, addressing a joint press conference.
This, along with the US civil nuclear deal—also bagged by Modi on an overseas visit—ensures that India would be able to seriously look at the field of nuclear energy as an alternative. While it would take a few years for this to become a reality, it is a step in the right direction.
The two countries also came closer militarily. There is a promise of further defence expansion through technology cooperation, co-development and co-production. There would also be much more interaction and training of staff as well as exchange in observers in humanitarian and disaster exercises. “Our strategic partnership is not only for the good and security of our own societies. It also brings peace, stability and balance to the region. It is alive and responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges in Asia-Pacific,’’ said Modi.
The joint statement stressed “the role of India and Japan for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” and the two prime ministers reiterated the need to further consolidate their security and defence cooperation.
Another one of the results of this cooperation is the S-2 amphibian aircraft a Japanese gift to India.
