India-China to join hands to face down US

TOKYO: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated that India and China could work together to face economic challenges posed by the United States. Modi, who is visiting Japan, said that if two of Asia’s largest powers join forces, it could bring stability to the global economic order.

Modi’s remarks have been interpreted as a hint toward closer political coordination between India, China, and Russia in response to U.S. pressure. Modi is scheduled to visit China tomorrow at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. Modi said that the goal of the visit is to strengthen stable bilateral relations, which is essential for peace in the Indo-Pacific region. While attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Modi will also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, with a possibility of a joint discussion. Modi clarified India's position during an interview with the Japanese media outlet Yomiuri Shimbun.

This is the first time Modi has responded to China’s call for cooperation against perceived U.S. threats. Since President Trump took office in January, China has been under significant pressure. In April, Xi Jinping had described India-China relations as needing to be like a “tango between an elephant and a dragon.” India and China’s relations had deteriorated following the 2020 military clash, but have been slowly improving through diplomatic dialogue.

Modi arrived in Tokyo on Friday with a massive agenda. He attended the India-Japan Annual Summit and Economic Forum with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, promoting investment and collaboration between the two countries.

Key agreements and announcements:

• Japan will invest Rs 6 lakh crore (10 trillion yen) in India over the next 10 years.
• In the next five years, about 5 lakh people from both countries will engage in exchanges across different sectors.
• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups from both nations will be connected.
• Cooperation between Indian states and Japanese prefectures will be strengthened.
• This partnership will boost trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
• ISRO and Japan’s space agency JAXA will collaborate on the Chandrayaan-5 mission.
• Joint initiatives will be launched in credit systems, mineral resources, cultural exchange, and digital partnership.
• Collaborations will also extend to artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and business ventures.

"India is a powerhouse of talent. Come, build in India for the world," Modi said at the India-Japan Economic Forum.