"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Messages of felicitation from Prime Minister of India to the Prime Minister of Japan on the occasion of 50th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between India and Japan

[Place] New Delhi
[Date] April 14, 2002
[Source] Ministry of External Affairs, India
[Notes]
[Full text]

Excellency,

I have great pleasure in conveying warm felicitations and friendly greetings to the Government and people of Japan on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.

Indian and Japan are ancient cultures with a history of benevolent spiritual and religious interaction. We share the ideals of democracy, the spirit of tolerance and the desire to diversify our relationship.

I warmly recall my recent visit to your great country and the warm reception that I received from you and from the Japanese people. Our talks and decisions have imparted added substance to our Global Partnership for the 21st century.

As two large Asian democracies, it is natural that we should work together, bilaterally and multilaterally. Our cooperation is in the interest of peace, security and development in the Asia-Pacific and the world. We are partners in the global campaign against terror.

This new century offers our two countries great opportunities for cooperation. We are already deepening our traditional economic cooperation. There are unbounded opportunities, based on strong complementarities, also in the information and knowledge-based "new economy".

Excellency, it remains our perspective that these are objective factors which lead India and Japan towards a long term and stable partnership. The future beckons us both.

I would also like to reiterate my invitation to Your Excellency to visit India. Your visit during this anniversary year will signal our common determination to further strengthen the roots of our friendship and cooperation.

Excellency, on this auspicious occasion, please accept my best wishes for the well-being and prosperity of the friendly people of Japan.

With the assurances of my highest consideration

Sd/-

(A.B.Vajpayee)

H.E. Mr. Junichiro Koizumi

Prime Minister of Japan

Tokyo