Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday arrived here on the first leg of his three-nation
visit, during which he would hold talks with his Japanese counterpart Naoto Kan on a range of issues, including civil nuclear energy cooperation.
Singh is in Japan for a two-day visit and will proceed from here to Malaysia and later Vietnam for ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits.
In Tokyo, Singh will discuss civil nuclear energy cooperation with Kan, besides security cooperation and ways to enhance economic ties and joint infrastructure projects being carried out in India.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said: "The tradition of Annual Summits with Japan has resulted in a strong, vibrant and multi-dimensional relationship between India and Japan.
"Strengthening of the India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership enjoys fullest support across the political spectrum in both our countries and is a factor of peace, prosperity and stability in Asia and the world," he said.
Noting that Japan is a major economic partner of India, Singh said the country has embarked upon mega infrastructure projects with Japanese assistance which have the potential of transforming the economy.
"Our trade and economic relationship is set to enter a new phase. I look forward to detailed discussions with Prime Minister Kan on bilateral, regional and global issues," he said.
During the visit, an announcement will be made on conclusion of negotiations on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which India says will lead to a "win-win" situation.
The agreement will not be signed during the visit as Japan needs to complete certain internal processes, like clearance from its Parliament (Diet) which will take some time.
With regard to the proposed civil nuclear cooperation agreement, the two sides have held two rounds of negotiations and more would be required before it is signed. The next round
will be held in November.
Singh and Kan will also discuss regional and
international issues like UN reforms for which both the countries are pushing for their membership under the G-4 grouping.