Japan keen to invest in building roads, infrastructure in northeast

In what could cause China some heartburn, Japan has offered to invest majorly in building roads and infrastructure in India's landlocked northeast, including in Arunachal Pradesh that Beijing considers part of its territory.

As Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe left here after a three-day visit, after talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during which both sides agreed to boost bilateral defence and security cooperation in a major way, a crucial part of their future cooperation was outlined with Japan evincing keenness to invest in the northeast.

India's landlocked northeast is a key part of its Look East policy and a bridge to connect with the economically buoyant southeast Asia, known as the tiger economies.

Building roads and infrastructure, like power plants, industries and telecommunication hubs in the northeast, would be a major contributor to connect the key region with southeast Asia. India has been keen to develop infrastructure and looking for foreign investors.

Japan's offer to invest in building roads and infrastructure has been welcomed by India.

Japan would do a feasibility study on the northeast region, on all the states, including Arunachal Pradesh, said newly-appointed Secretary (East) in the external affairs ministry Anil Wadhwa.

Japan's offer to develop the northeast, especially Arunachal Pradesh, could irk China, but India is not unduly bothered, said sources.

"That is their (China's) problem," said the source, adding if India gets some friendly country to invest in infrastructure in the northeast, it is welcome.

Abe was in India from Jan 25-27. He was the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade. India and Japan inked eight agreements during the visit.