Prime Minister Narendra Modi hopes the visit this weekend by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be a major step in transforming India into an economic powerhouse with Japan’s help in building bullet trains, “smart cities” and accessing nuclear technology.
India and Japan are set to sign a $15 billion agreement for a high-speed train linking the Indian financial hub of Mumbai with Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of Modi’s home state, Gujarat. The train would cut travel time on the 505 kilometer (315 mile) route from eight hours to two.
For Japan, still smarting from losing out to China over a similar agreement in Indonesia, firming up the Indian deal was crucial. Tokyo has promised technical and financial support to New Delhi for the project, including a low-interest 50-year Japanese loan.
The deal would benefit Japanese companies with contracts for manufacturing rail cars, tracks and operating systems.
Other major priorities during Abe’s three-day visit include discussions on a civil nuclear agreement, military purchases for India’s armed forces and Japanese aid to upgrade India’s creaking infrastructure.
The itinerary for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to India is as follows:
Saturday, December 12, 2015
0900 hrs – Meeting with Business Leaders Forum
1015 hrs – Call on the President of India
1100 hrs – Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House
1200 hrs – Signing of Agreements & Press Statements
1505 hrs – Emplane for Varanasi
1625 hrs – Arrival at Varanasi Airport
1745 hrs – Attend Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat
2055 hrs – Emplane for New Delhi
Sunday, December 13, 2015
0900 hrs – Departure from Air Force Station, Palam
(With inputs from agencies)
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