Tokyo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Japan on Saturday, took a symbolic ride on the Shinkansen bullet train alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, traveling from Tokyo to Sendai. The journey showcased the strong technological and diplomatic ties between the two nations and highlighted the ongoing cooperation in high-speed rail development.

During the ride, the leaders observed the experimental ALFA-X train and received a briefing from the chairman of JR East, the operator of the Shinkansen, emphasizing Japan’s advanced rail technology.

Upon arrival in Sendai, Prime Minister Modi met with a group of Indian train drivers undergoing training at the East Japan Railway Company. The meeting underlined India’s focus on building human capital and expertise for its high-speed rail projects, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor.

The visit coincided with the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, during which the two countries signed agreements on security cooperation and unveiled the India-Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade. The agreements cover key areas such as clean energy, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, space, defense, and cybersecurity.

Japan committed to increasing private-sector investments in India by up to 10 trillion yen, around 67.9 billion US dollars, and both nations pledged to facilitate the movement of 500,000 students and workers over the next five years to strengthen people-to-people ties.

At the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the potential for Japan’s technology and India’s talent to lead a 21st-century technological revolution. He described the India-Japan partnership as a “perfect partnership,” highlighting opportunities for Japanese investment and collaborative projects in India.

The visit further reinforces the bilateral relationship, combining infrastructure, technology, economic growth, and strategic cooperation. Prime Minister Modi is expected to conclude his Japan visit and then attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, China, beginning August 31, where he will meet leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.