PM Narendra Modi, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida discuss synergizing efforts of their G-20 and G-7 presidencies

In a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in Hiroshima on Saturday (May 20, 2023), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the importance of synergizing efforts between their respective presidencies of the G-20 and G-7 forums.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister Modi stressed the need to highlight the concerns and priorities of Global South. “The two leaders exchanged views on contemporary regional developments. They also discussed deepening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” the MEA added.

Additionally, the leaders agreed on ways to further strengthen the bilateral Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Discussions focused on areas of education, skill development, tourism, Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), green hydrogen, high technology, semiconductors and digital public infrastructure. Combating terrorism and reform of the United Nations was also discussed, the MEA said.

This was their second meeting of the year, the first being during Prime Minister Kishida's visit to India in March. With India currently holding the G-20 presidency and Japan holding the presidency of G-7, the two countries have become a centre of major diplomatic activities.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi thanked his Japanese counterpart for planting in Hiroshima the Bodhi sapling that had been gifted to him in March 2023. The sapling stands for the two countries' ongoing friendship and similar moral principles.

Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the importance of Hiroshima Day and said that the Indian Parliament observes this day every year. He remarked that Japanese diplomats were always present on the occasion.