NEW DELHI (TIP): In a sign of growing Japanese involvement in improving infrastructure in India, the two countries Thursday launched a cooperation forum for development of India’s north-east.

The move is significant also because of India’s decision to ignore China’s OBOR initiative as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, a showpiece project of OBOR, impinges on India’s sovereignty, passing as it does through the disputed Gilgit- Baltistan region.

The India-Japan Cooperation Forum for Development of North East was officially inaugurated by the Japanese embassy and ministry of development of north-eastern region.

According to Japan, the development of north-east is a priority for India and a key to promoting its Act East Policy.