OSAKA, JAPAN (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, June 27,  held wide-ranging talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, on the global economy, fugitive economic offenders and disaster management, and announced that President Ram Nath Kovind would participate in the coronation ceremony of Emperor Naruhito in October.

It was the first meeting between the two leaders since the start of Japan’s Reiwa era and Mr. Modi’s re-election.

Mr. Modi thanked Mr. Abe for the warm welcome for him and the delegation visiting Japan for the G-20 Summit. He appreciated Japan’s leadership as the G-20 chairman.

Mr. Modi said he was looking forward to Mr. Abe’s visit later this year for the annual summit.

Later, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told press persons that the meeting between the “old friends” was “warm” and they had a “very constructive and detailed discussion” on bilateral ties.

“Abe initially began discussion with his expectation from the G-20 Summit. They spoke about the importance of focusing on global economy,” Mr. Gokhale said.

“These are the areas where Abe hoped that he would get the understanding and support of the G20 members, including that of India,” Mr. Gokhale said.

Mr. Abe also referred to his forthcoming visit to India.

The two leaders also had a brief discussion on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor and on a convention center  being built in Varanasi, Mr. Modi’s constituency.

They agreed on the delivery of both the projects on time.

(Source: PTI)