The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) will facilitate the smooth provision of supplies and services between the defense forces of Japan and India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe held a bilateral summit on Thursday in a virtual format. Japanese Prime Minister Abe, who has decided to resign on health grounds, expressed his gratitude for the friendship and the relationship of trust built with Prime Minister Modi.

With regard to the significant enhancement of Japan-India relations in recent years, Prime Minister Abe stated that both Prime Ministers took actions towards realizing the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between Japan and India was elevated to greater heights, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan said in a statement.

Both Indian Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Abe welcomed the signing of the agreement between the two countries on reciprocal provision of supplies and services between their defence forces, which will promote closer cooperation between the forces on the ground and will contribute to global peace and security.

On Wednesday, Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between India’s armed forces and Japan’s Self-Defence Forces was signed by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Japanese ambassador to India Satoshi Suzuki in New Delhi.

“The agreement will facilitate the smooth and prompt provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Indian Armed Forces. The agreement will also promote closer cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Indian Armed Forces, and enable them to actively contribute to international peace and security,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan said.

Earlier during their 30 minute long summit, Japanese Prime Minister Abe noted the memories from their mutual annual visits. Prime Minister Modi responded by expressing his appreciation to all the efforts extended by Prime Minister Abe and by recalling the time they spent together.

During the summit, both Prime Ministers affirmed that the basic policy of Japan-India-emphasis remains unchanged, and concurred with each other that the two countries continue to work closely in such areas as security, economy, and economic cooperation including the high-speed rail project.