Japanese PM Fumio Kishida announces $75 bn boost for free Indo-Pacific plan during India visit

NEW DELHI. In a major Indo-Pacific initiative aimed at countering China's influence in the region, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has invited his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for the Group of Seven summit in May even as he announced a $75 bn boost for an open Indo-Pacific.

Kishida, who was on a two-day trip to India, said he hopes to promote a vision of free and open Indo-Pacific, a Tokyo-led initiative for greater security and economic cooperation that is geared toward curbing Beijing's growing assertiveness. It includes Japan's assistance to emerging economies, support for maritime security, a provision of coast guard patrol boats and equipment and other infrastructure cooperation.

It fits with Japan's new national security strategy adopted in December under which Tokyo Japan is deploying long-range cruise missiles to strengthen its strike-back capability, and using development aid more strategically in support of like-minded countries.

India reciprocated wholeheartedly, saying the meeting of the two Prime Ministers was "special for another reason as well".

"This year India is chairing the G20, and Japan is chairing the G7. And therefore, this is the perfect opportunity to work together on our respective priorities and interests. Today, I explained in detail to Prime Minister Kishida about the priorities of India's G20 Presidency. Giving voice to the priorities of Global South is an important pillar of our G20 Presidency. We have taken this initiative because we are a culture that believoncles in "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", and in taking everyone along," Modi said in a joint press statement at the conclusion of their talks.