PM Modi, Abe hold annual summit-level talks in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe held delegation-level talks at the Hyderabad House here on Saturday.

"Turning the belief of potential into the conviction of a partnership. The Prime Ministers lead delegat'n level talks," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

PM @AbeShinzo says his talks with PM @narendramodi will "open a new age in the India Japan partnership".

As per preliminary reports, both leaders reviewed the implementation of various decisions taken during the past one year to enhance bilateral ties, particularly in the trade and investment sector.

A 98,000 crore-rupee deal to build a bullet train network is also likely to be signed.

After the talks, both Prime Ministers will visit Varanasi to attend the 'Ganga Aarti' at the famous Dasaswamedh Ghat. They are also expected to formalise a "Smart City" pact.

The Japanese Prime Minister arrived in New Delhi yesterday for a three-day visit to India.

"Welcoming him, Prime Minister Modi tweeted that the visit will provide new strength and vigour to Indo-Japan ties," he added.

The Japanese Prime Minister reiterated that the India Japan partnership has the greatest potential of any bilateral relationship.

The Japanese Prime Minister expressed hope that the meeting will further elevate Indo-Japan ties. He said, "Japan and India share basic values and every field will be critically important for Asia and the world in this century."

Soon after his arrival, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Prime Minister Abe. During the meeting, he expressed his excitement over his third visit to India as the Prime Minister. He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences for the loss of lives in the recent Chennai floods.

The Japanese Prime Minister was later conferred with an honorary doctorate in international relations by the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi for his contribution in facilitating Japan's role in India's economic development.