India, Japan to cooperate in energy, telecoms

NEW DELHI (AP) — India and Japan on Saturday signed agreements on cooperation in the energy and telecom sectors during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to New Delhi.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held talks with Abe and said India was taking steps to facilitate Japan's links with India's growing economy.

Singh said that India also was discussing with Japan the possibility of buying an amphibian aircraft called the US-2 and its co-production in India. "More broadly, we are working towards increasing our cooperation in the area of advanced technologies."

Abe arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for a three-day visit. He will be the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations on Sunday.

Japan is keen to boost exports of atomic technology and other infrastructure to help revive its economy.

On Saturday, Singh said "our negotiations toward an agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy have gained momentum in the last few months."

Japan's sales of nuclear equipment and technology to India have been hampered by sensitivity in Japan over India's past atomic tests and refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

India has announced a moratorium on further nuclear testing, but Japan also wants a clearer commitment from New Delhi. The two sides are also working to decide on consequences should India conduct another nuclear test.

India is seeking to cultivate closer ties with Japan and other Asian countries, while upgrading its military capabilities, partly in response to a perceived challenge from China and also neighboring Pakistan.

Under the new agreements, Japan will provide a loan for increasing power generation in India and also help India in enhancing energy efficiency in telecom towers in the country.

The two countries signed another agreement for promoting tourism, said a statement by India's External Affairs Ministry. Further details were not immediately available.