PM to visit Japan for talks from November 15

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will visit Japan from November 15 to hold summit-level talks with his Japanese counterpart Yoshihiko Noda on a wide spectrum of issues, including the progress in cooperation in maritime security and cyberspace.

During the bilateral summit meeting on November 16, the two leaders are expected to confirm that they will strengthen strategic ties between Japan and India given China's growing maritime presence in the region, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported.

They are also expected to exchange views on strengthening economic ties, including through infrastructure projects, Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said on Friday.

Gemba said that he hopes the upcoming four-day visit, taking place during the year that marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, will help deepen the partnership between the two countries.

Singh is scheduled to have an audience with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko before the summit.

Last month, India and Japan held discussions on enhancing cooperation in key bilateral areas, including maritime, cyber, outer space security and also exchanged views on regional and international security situation.

The two countries had reviewed bilateral security and defence cooperation and discussed ways of further expanding such ties.