India, Japan must synergise their strengths to give momentum to Asian, global economic growth: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that India hopes that japan will be its partner in expanding its nuclear energy programme for peaceful uses but said that India recognizes the sensitivity of this subject in Japan and he will not force the issue. He was replying to a question at the business luncheon meeting in Tokyo on Monday.

Earlier in an interview also, the Prime Minister had made it clear that no dead lines have been laid down for concluding the negotiations on civil nuclear energy cooperation.

In his address to the business and industry leaders on Monday Dr. Singh said that Japan as a global leader in energy efficient technologies can play a significant role in helping meet India growing energy requirements. He said that cooperation in this area will enable the Japanese companies to participate in India's ambitious nuclear energy programme.

He sought the Japanese technology and investment in conventional and new and renewable energy.

Dr Singh said that more than ever before India's buoyant economy, its young population and large markets can combine well with the technological prowess, manufacturing skills and financial resources of Japan.

The Prime Minister said that he strongly believes that the two countries must synergise their complementary strengths to give momentum to Asian as well as global economic growth and prosperity.

He said that bilateral trade between the two sides has made a robust rebound this year and it should cross 20 billion US dollars by 2012, which he said is still not only below the potential but is unbalanced.

He however said that Comprehensive Economic partnership Agreement will enable business from both sides to exploit their respective strengths for mutual benefits.

Dr Singh said that that India would like to see free flow of high technologies to our country. The Indian business delegation at meet was led by Mukesh Ambani.

In the next five year plan, India is envisaging financial outlays of over one trillion US dollars on infrastructure and private investment will play a larger role in achieving this target. Prime Minister said that India will welcome the role of Japanese companies in the development of economic infrastructure of India.