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

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Government and people of India, and on my own behalf, I have great pleasure in conveying to the Government and people of Japan, and to you personally, warm felicitations and friendly greetings on this historic occasion marking the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.

Our two countries are bound by common ties of religion, culture and friendship. We share as well a commitment to human freedom and democratic norms. We have established a Global Partnership for the 21st Century. The India-Japan Joint Declaration issued by our two Prime Ministers in Tokyo on 10 December 2001 has confirmed this commitment, and set out the common perspectives of both our countries on a wide range of bilateral issues and global challenges. Mutual respect and equality, our effort to build understanding through transperancy{sic} and engagement; and our willingness to move beyond the Cold War constructs in the new Century will, I am confident, be the bedrock upon which a mutually supportive and broad-based relationship can be built in the coming 50 years.

Our shared ideals and approaches provide the foundation for greater cooperation in the contemporary era. As Asian democracies, we have set an example of social and political stability and harmony. Despite some differences in our perceptions, we are united in facing the new challenges that confront the world today. We each believe that the most pressing moral, political and economic issue of our time is elimination of poverty, want, deprivation and disparity. Our partnership allows us to fully explore the many dimensions of potential cooperation and convergence to address this fundamental challenge.

We are also partners in the global assault against the scourge of terrorism.

The people and Government of India are ready and willing to embark upon this bold new journey together with the friendly people and Government of Japan. We confirm our intention to strengthen our historical and amicable links through the promotion of exchanges in culture, education and science & technology. We place emphasis on people-to-people and youth exchanges. We see great advantage in developing cooperation in the knowledge-based economy, as also in strengthening our cooperation in the traditional "old" economy. We have a common perception of the future of Asia, and our role in peace, stability and prosperity for all Asians. Together we can build a better tomorrow for all our fellow citizens.

Excellency, please accept my best wishes for your good health and personal happiness and for the well-being and prosperity of the friendly Japanese people.

With assurances of my highest consideration.

Sd/=

(Jaswant Singh)

H.E. Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi

Foreign Minister of Japan

Tokyo