ICF in the print Media - Selected Clips Publication
Subject
Page no.
01. Keizaikai, Oct. 2006
Aiming for a true global partnership (10th anniversary celebration of India Center)
02. Hindustan Sep. 30 2007
Baba Ramdev in Japan
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03. Hindustan Oct. 1, 2007
Namaste India 2007 with Baba Ramdev
07
04. G2 Magazine Oct. - Nov. 2007
India Shining & Japan Shining
05. UNI April 20, 2008
Japan offers technology for India’s food and fuel security
12
06. The Telegraph 15 April 2008
Heritage university on Japan revival radar
13
07. Bhagalpur Pratibimb 17 April 2008
Bhagalpur will be the New Hub of Education
14 -15
08. Dainik Jagran 14 April 2008
Vikramshila to be on the Global Map: Dr. Shimada
16 -17
09. Dainik Jagran 14 April 2008
Exchange of Technology in Knowledge and Agriculture
18 -19
10. Merinews.com Aug. 24, 2007
Japanese PM draws a new painting of Indo-Japan relations
20
11. WebIndia123.com Oct. 07, 2007
Namaste India 2007
21
12. The Sunday Express, Sep. 23, 2006
When 80,000 Japanese said Namaste India
22
13. Outlook, Oct. 09, 2006
Oyishi Caa-re (Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on India Japan ties)
23
14. Outlook Saptahik, Oct. 09, 2006
Report on Namaste India 2006
24 - 25
15. Lokmat Times, Sep. 28, 2006
Two nations, one goal! - Three memorable days in India-Japan partnership
26 - 27
16. The Indian Express, Sep. 20, 2006
Friend of India, Shinzo Abe to be Japan’s youngest PM (Highlighting the role of India Center in nurturing this friendship)
28
17 India Express Dec. 30, 2006
Interview of Abe San
29
18. India Today, Aug. 27, 2007
Tokyo Calling
19. Lokmat Times, 23 Aug 07
India-Center host high tea for Abe
32
20. Sunday Special, 26 Aug 07
Asia is world economic growth center
33
21. Outlook, Dec. 18, 2006
A platterful of Tofu (Diplomacy, Indo-Japan Ties)
34 - 35
22. Zaikai, May 29. 2007
Themes for Japanese Corporations Special Feature: Japan’s Belated Entry into Indian Market
36 - 37
04 - 05
08 -10
30 - 31
23. A New framwork for dialogue between Japan, China, and India - A byline
38 - 39
24. Keizaikai, May 22. 2007
Huge Business Potential Emphasized
40
25. The Times Of India, Apr. 29, 2006
Message to people of India from the Prime Minister of Japan, Junichiro Koizumi conveyed through ICF
41
26. Keizaikai, May. 2006
Part - 1 of interview with Kazuo Noda (Honorary President, Tama University), Sumio Morijiri (Visiting professor, Mangalore University, India) and Vibhav Kant Upadhyay
42 - 53
27. Keizaikai, Jun. 2006
Part - 2 of the above interview
54 - 61
28. The Nikkei Shinbun, Aug. 15, 2001
Messages from dignitaries of India & Japan on the 55th anniversary of Indian Independence conveyed through ICF
62 - 65
29. The Nikkei Shinbun, Oct. 16, 2000
Messages from dignitaries of India & Japan on Mori San’s visit through ICF
66 - 67
30. Asahi Shinbun, 2001
Towrads the age of Asian symbiosis
68 - 69
31. A Word from our Neighbor
Necessity of Strategic Thinking to Promote Japan -India Relations
70 - 71
32. The Shukan Asahi, Feb. 23, 2001
Strengthening India-Japan Cultural and Economic Relations
72 - 73
33. The Sankei Shimbun, Aug. 17, 2000
Japan and India should be strategic partners - A byline
74 - 75
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AIMING THE TRUE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP
INDIA CENTER”THE INDO - JAPAN BRIDGE” HOLDS A PARTY ON IT’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY
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Mr Vibhav Kant Upadhyay, Chair Person, India Center at CII Exhibitors Reception of IETF 2007 addressing the speech on
Mr R Seshasayee, at CII Exhibitors Reception of IETF 2007 addressing the speech on 13 Feb, 2007.
13 Feb, 2007.
Mr Yoshiro Mori, Former Prime Minister of Japan at CII Exhibitors Reception of IETF 2007 on 13 Feb, 2007 with Japanese Delegates.
Mr Vibhav Kant Upadhyay, Chair Person, India Center at CII Exhibitors Reception of IETF 2007 addressing the speech on
Mr Vibhav Kant Upadhyay, Chair Person, India Center at CII Exhibitors Reception of IETF 2007 addressing the speech on
Mr Yoshiro Mori, Former Prime Minister of Japan at CII Exhibitors Reception of IETF 2007 on 13 Feb, 2007 with Japanese Delegates.
13 Feb, 2007.
13 Feb, 2007.
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Japan offers technology for India’s food and fuel security New Delhi, Apr 20 (UNI) Japan offered India its technology to enable the country build up food and fuel security. Mr Haruo Shimada, Economic Adviser to former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said it was shocking that India had to import wheat to feed people in spite of the country’s 80 per cent landmass under agriculutre. This situation could be reversed by increasing agriculture production with the use of technology Japan could provide, the Japanese expert added. Mr Shimada was part of an 11-member delegation, which visited various parts of the country to explore opportunities for Japanese investments in India, particularly in the field of infrastructure, agriculture, energy, transport, tourism and education. Mr Shimada, ‘’We feel that India can feed the world by increasing its agricultural production manifold.’’ ‘’Japan has technology and India has manpower and vast land ... this combination can even make India the world leader in agriculture,’’ said Mr Shimada, who heads Fujitsu Research Institute, a think tank. Talking to UNI, Mr Shimada, who is also president of Chiba University of Commerce, said it was shocking that onethird of foodgrain production in India went waste in the post-harvest. Another Japanese expert, Yasuyo Yamazaki, suggested that India must exploit solar energy in a big way, adding with the help of its vast expanse and scorching sun, the country could tide over its energy crisis. With crude petroleum price going through the roof, Mr Yamazaki said; ‘’Solar energy is the answer,’’ adding, Japan has viable technologies to help India exploit it. The week-long extensive and intensive tour led them to places like Gujarat, (Mundra Port and Gandhinagar), Bihar (Vikramshila and Patna), Rajasthan (Udaipur) and Maharashtra. The delegation returned to Tokyo yesterday. The Japanese were full of praise for Gujarat with Mr Shimada saying if the state’s infrastructure was upgraded it could emerge as the biggest logistic center for development of India. Admitting that Japan’s economy was witnessing a slow and critical phase, Mr Shimada said: ‘’The parnership in areas of mutual interests can be beneficial to both the countries.’’ On Japan’s presence in India which was not much in spite of age-old friendship between the two countries, Mr Shimada said it was unfortunate his country-- despite being the second biggest economic power in the world--did not invest much in India, a fast developing economy. He identified steel another area of investment and said: ‘’The metal and energy are important for India’s development.’’ India, he said, should think of developing industrial, trade, agriculture and knowledge corridors to fast track its growth and added Japan would be a willing partner in its endeavour. Mr Shimada said Japan has already taken the first step by becoming a partner in the 100 billion dollars Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project. He said once the project was completed it would augment India’s industrial growth in a big way. Besides, the over 1,400-km corridor would come up on either side of the dedicated railway freight cooridor between India’s two metros. Social worker Vibhavkant Upadhayay, who is heading the India Center Foundation, had mooted the idea of the flagship project to strenghten ties between the two Asian countries. Mr Upadhayay said the India Center Foundation had provided concept papers for setting up various corridors such as New Delhi-Kolkata Knowledge Corridor, Kolkata-Chennai Port Corridor and Bio-Diversity Corridor between Chennai and Mumbai. Mr Yamazaki suggested India to take steps for inclusive growth to check social tension and cited the Japanese model of development for agriculture for rural prosperity. This model, he said, could be implemented in India for equitable growth. The highly fertile Gangatic belt in Bihar and West Bengal has the potential to transform India to make the country a big success story, he added. By Pradeep Kashyap UNI KAS HS PM0956
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Heritage university on Japan revival radar - After Nalanda, it could be Vikramshila’s turn to be developed as a modern university SANTOSH SINGH Patna, April 15: Vikramshila could once again be teeming with students — like centuries ago. A visit by an 11-member Japanese delegation to the heritage site on Sunday has revived hopes. What once was a learning centre for Buddhists, could well become a bubbling university of the future with the delegation expressing its willingness to invest in the dilapidated site. Although none of the delegates was forthcoming with figures, it has been learnt that funds would flow to develop Vikramshila on the lines of the new Nalanda University, which is being taken up as a pilot project by the government with prime support from Singapore. Several Buddhist countries have been contributing to help build an internal university of Nalanda on 1,000-odd acres land at Rajgir foothills. Led by Harao Shimada, vice-chancellor of Chiba University of Commerce and economic adviser to former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, the delegation has been on a seven-day trip to India to explore “congenial and feasible investment” opportunities at Vikramshila, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Shimada was accompanied by representatives of JP Morgan Asset Management, Fortis Investment, Yamazaki Associates and eight other Japanese companies. India Centre Foundation, an independent organisation co-ordinating with groups from both countries to build parallel diplomatic ties, impressed upon the Japanese delegation to visit Vikramshila heritage. Social worker Vibhavkant Upadhyay, one of the members of the foundation, and Bhagalpur BJP leader Nishikant Dubey were the facilitators. Dubey later told The Telegraph: “The delegation will serve as opinion-maker of the Japan government and its people as it explores the possibility of developing Vikramshila like that of Nalanda university.” Vikramshila University, founded in 8th century, had grown into an international centre for Buddhist learning. At the beginning of the 11th century — during the reign of King Ramapala — the university had 160 teachers and 1,000 students living at the monastery. “It is too early to expect big investments but the delegation has given out positive vibes,” Dubey said, adding that everything now depended on the team’s reports and subsequent interest of Japanese companies. During the visit, Shimada apparently said: “We would wish to see Vikramshila flourish.” JP Morgan Asset Management president and director Keiichi Miki, Fortis Investment director Kazuhito Yoshihara and Yamazaki Associates director Yosheo Yamazaki also showed keen interest in developing the economic climate around the ancient Buddhist seat of learning.
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Bh a g a l p u r w i l l b e t h e N e w Hub of Education It is very fortunate for Bihar that the governor His Excellency R. S. Gawai himself is a saviour of good education in Bihar and this “Vidya Prakash Yojana” is his brainchild only. Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University has the honour of first implementing this prestigious and now famous scheme. It is often said that ‘if the base is strong, the apex will automatically be stronger’. The motto behind all these efforts is that if our children from the downtrodden and sub-altern segment of our society are provided with better primary education, they with much ease can become successful in getting through the tough competitions in various fields like medical, engineering, administration and management etc. poverty will never be an obstacle in their way towards progress and real freedom. It will be the responsibility of colleges to bear the cost of some such students where the college will be providing for their books, fees, dress and related facilities. Gradually, all the colleges will be covered under this scheme. Sponsors, of course, will be selected for facilitating this scheme. The college will prepare a group of talented students which will oversee the programme being implemented. The students of the colleges will accumulate one tea-spoon of rice everyday. The teachers will be contributing their share. It has also been provided that whether the students chosen for getting education under this scheme are really getting as per the norms and regulations or not will be reviewed at regular intervals. Bhagalpur is seeing the possibilities of an education renaissance. If the things are executed as per plans, the silk city will emerge in a new avatar of knowledge hub. The glorious past of the city is re-energizing the proposed venture. The most vivid example of this fact is that once upon a time in its glorious times in ancient era, there was a university named ‘Vikramshila University’, which spread the light of education and knowledge all across the globe. Indeed, history teaches us to carve out a better future. In spite of the commercialization of education in modern times, the significance of knowledge has not diminished at all. Today, education has assumed a more scientific and detailed form. What Plato, the legendary philosopher, once argued that ‘knowledge is power’ has once again been proved to be the truest of all proverbs. The efforts towards improvisation in the primary and higher, both, segments of education are already on way. “Vidya Prakash Yojana” is a great dream which if fulfilled will revolutionize the education sector. It is not so that the plans have not been formulated before for the educational upliftment of the marginalized stratum of the society. But thanks to the bureaucratic red-tapism and immoral practices of NGO’s, they have totally fallen apart. This time it has been ensured that this yojana does not fall flat by directly connecting it with the students and colleges. No doubt there will be sponsors supporting the programme but they will have to conform to the college guidelines in this direction. ‘Angika Development Society’ has thought of doing something new in the field of higher and technical education. It is because of this very society that India’s prestigious ‘Delhi Public School’ has been running its branch here at this place. Now the turn has come for opening up of an ‘Engineering College of National Repute’. It is again by the efforts of this society that the foundation stone has been laid for an ‘International Buddhist Studies Research Institute, which will be ready soon. Recently, under the leadership of Japanese economist Dr. Shimada Haruo, an 11-membered delegation visited ‘Antichak’ in Kahalgaon to see the remnants of Ancient Vikramshila University. Dr. Shimada, who has been the economic advisor of ex-prime minister of Japan J. Koijumi, had said that Japan will whole-heartedly support the project of conserving these remnants of this pious ancient university. Dr. Shimada is known to be a great follower of Buddhism. It is very fortunate for Bihar that the governor, His Excellency R. S. Gawai himself is a saviour of good education in Bihar and this Vidya Prakash Yojana is his brainchild only. Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University has the honour of first implementing this prestigious and now famous scheme. It is often said that ‘if the base is strong, the apex will automatically be stronger’. The motto behind all these efforts is that if our children from the downtrodden and sub-altern segment of our society are provided with better primary education, they with much ease can become successful in getting through the tough competitions in various fields like medical, engineering, administration and management etc. poverty will never be an obstacle in their way towards progress and real freedom. It will be the responsibility of colleges to bear the cost of some such students where the college will be providing for their books, fees, dress and related facilities. Gradually, all the colleges will be covered under this scheme. Sponsors, of course, will be selected for facilitating this scheme. The college will prepare a group of talented students which will oversee the programme being implemented. The students of the colleges will accumulate one tea-spoon of rice every day. The teachers will be contributing their share. It has also been provided that whether the students chosen for getting education under this scheme are really getting as per the norms and regulations or not will be reviewed at regular intervals. They will be made feel that like other students from rich class; they are also getting better facilities and education so that none of them could develop any sort of psychological complex later. Social development can be realized and the social sphere will be drastically improved if the quality education trickles down to the most down-trodden of our social milieu. This transformation itself will pave the way for the intellectual revolution. The plans for establishing the ‘International Buddhist Studies Research Institute’ formulated by Angika Development Society are a very ambitious one and if the scholars and researchers from Far-East countries come to Bhagalpur for spreading their knowledge base, it would certainly bring laurels to the city which already is home to a good government engineering college. Private sector participation in an engineering college has been among the most sought after things here, for which the society is very eager and active. Initial paperwork and the land acquisition processes have been finished and now the visit of the Japanese delegation has raised the contextual relevance of Buddhist studies. Dr. Shimada had expressed his ecstatic feelings at Antichak during his visit: “I am much exited. I am a follower of Buddhism that is why; I am not able to conceal my utter happiness after being on the lands of Buddha”. For a Buddhist, each and every thing related to Buddha is equally auspicious and very austere. Vikramshila University played the key role in propagating Buddhism. To restore its past glory would be the most heartening cause to him, he said. Efforts are also on way to connect this place with the Buddhist Circuit. Quite possible is the proposition that this Vikramshila University should draw some legal attention and the law may be made for its revival on the lines of Nalanda University. That means, Bhagalpur will not only emerge as a centre of education but will also be coming on the popular tourist map. People from Sri Lanka, Myanmar in South Asia and Japan, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia and our neighbour country China will keep visiting these places who are the followers of Buddhism.
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Vikramshila to be on the Global Map: Dr. Shimada Japanese team pays tribute to the Stupa on their visit to this excavated place. Promise every help possible to develop the place. Kahalgaon Representative, Bhagalpur: This historical place belongs to the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. About 60% of this area is cultivated by the farmers. Here, people are very simple. The culture and traditions followed here has been very nice and beautiful. In future, we will do everything to develop Vikramshila, which thousands of years ago showed light to the path of ‘Knowledge’. We are hopeful about the future, you also be hopeful. I am very happy seeing Vikramshila. These words were spoken on Sunday, by the head of the ten member team of delegates on Indo-Japan Global Partnership and the Economic Advisor to Ex-Prime Minister of Japan, Dr. Shimada Haruo while addressing the ‘Welcome Ceremony’ organised at Vikramshila. The visiting guests were welcomed by Mr. Santosh Dubey. The visitors were treated to a welcome song, sung by the students of Antichak School. At the ceremony, Mr. Vibhav Kant Upadhyay, Chairman of India Center Foundation, said that this is the land of Buddha, the centre of knowledge. Vikramshila should be developed as a tourist place and be known to the world, agriculture industry should also be developed here because it is for this reason that the Japanese delegates have been brought here through the efforts of Mr. Nishikant Dubey. Mr. Dubey said that this place had a glorious past. Neglected Vikramshila was a bigger center of knowledge than Nalanda and Takshshila. He also said that he was a son of this soil and would always be trying to bring it on the national and international map by developing it. Mr. Dubey requested the Japanese team to develop projects on flood control, bamboo and handicraft industry and for the development of Vikramshila. The programme was conducted by Dr. Pawan. Dr. Raman Sinha, history professor at SSV College, who gave a detailed view of Vikramshila to the Japanese delegates through multimedia projections and also presented them a book on behalf of the research organisation. Prior to the Welcome Ceremony the Japanese team had visited the excavated site and had seen the remains and artifacts there. They also paid tribute to the Stupa. Due to paucity of time they could not supervise the excavated site fully. At the excavated site, ex-chairman of Bihar Vidhan Sabha and co-chairman of Bihar Pradesh Congress, Mr. Sadanand Sinha welcomed the Japanese team by giving them flower bouquets. Vikramshila Nagarik Samiti coordinator, Dr. N.K. Jaiswal also welcomed them. On this occasion Ex-MLA Ambika Prasad, Zila Parishad chairman Shiv Kuber Singh, MP Vijay Kumar Singh Pramukh, Bhola Prasad Shah, Hareram Mishra, Upendra Prasad Mandal, Akshay Kumar Singh Kushwaha, Ranbir Singh, Ex-Headman Tribhuban Shekhar, and Headman Lalita Devi were also present there. Hundreds of people had gathered in Vikramshila to welcome the Japanese delegates. Seeing the crowd gathering reminded us of the Vikramshila Festival. Here, there were talks of Vikramshila Festival not being celebrated this year. People were happy by the visit of the Japanese team thinking that now Vikramshila would be developed.
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Exchange of Technology in Knowledge and Agriculture. For the development of Vikramshila, Japanese delegates to meet Chief Minister. Ram Prakash Gupta, Vikramshila (Bhagalpur) Economic advisor to Ex-Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Shimada Haruo has said that knowledge is abundant in India. The soil is very fertile here. Japan wants an exchange of technology in the ďŹ eld of knowledge and agriculture with India. The help of the Indian government is expected in this regard. Mr. Shimada said that the Global Partnership which was established during the time of ex Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vakpayee would now show true colours. Mr. Shimada was talking to reporters at the historical Vikramshila in Kahalgaon on Sunday. A team of ten member delegates had also come with him to visit Vikramshila. He said that Vikramshila was an important place amongst all the other famous Buddhist places in Bihar. He wished that like Nalanda, Vikramshila also gets back its glory and recognition. Japanese delegates would meet the Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar in this regard. He said that by creating a Knowledge Corridor Nalanda and Vikramshila can become the storehouse of knowledge. Vikramshila has a history of about two thousand ďŹ ve hundreds. He said that Bhagalpur silk was very competitive but this industry was not being developed or promoted well. Japan is a huge market for silk and according to the Global Partnership it would extend all possible help in this regard. Further, he said that Japan also wants to help in establishing agriculture based industries here. India is a very big democracy. He said that inspite of being a very big producer of silk, weavers in Bhagalpur are facing many types of challenges. It is due to the craftsmanship of the weavers that Bhagalpur is known all over the world. It should be our duty to help these weavers in sorting out their problems so that they can earn as well as keep the glory of Bhagalpur. He said that Bhagalpur has been the main center of the silk route between India and Japan. So they would try to keep the silk industry in Bhagalpur enroute to progress. The ten member delegates included Yasuyo Yamajaki, Kiyosi Yeseki, Makoto Takano, Mytsyuhero Hata, Kochi miki, Christine Yo Kunanan, Masahero Kosiba, Tosihiko Onisi, and Yosihara. Before this Mr. Nishikant Dubey and many supporters were present at the airport to welcome the Japanese team of delegates.
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Japanese PM draws a new painting of Indo-Japan relations in Delhi Abhishek Behl August 24, 2007 “Stronger India is in the interest of Japan, while a strong Japan is in the interest of India and both countries have started working towards building an enduring relationship which is mutually beneficial to the people of both countries.” said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a function organized by India Center Foundation in New Delhi. At the function organized by India Center Foundation on Wednesday, Japanese Prime Minster Mr. Abe, inaugurated and added colours to a canvas to portray the new picture of Indo-Japan relations. Cutting across political ideologies, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi joined hands and came together on stage with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to add colours to the canvas, signifying a rare unanimity on Indo-Japan relations. While Abe painted the red hued Sun, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje Sindhia added her own signature style and engulfed the sun with vibrant orange and brown, signifying energy and power. A large number of dignitaries, who were present on the occasion used the brush with enthusiasm and panache and filled the canvas with vivid colours signifying the improving relations between the two countries. An abundance of red, yellow, green and browns ware filled by leading politicians, industry leaders and bureaucrats including Minister of State for Planning MV Raj Shekharan, former Defence Minister George Fernandes, Gautam Adani, chairman Adani Group, Rajesh Shah, chairman Mukund Steel, President FICCI Amit Mitra, Girish Kumar Sanghi, MP; Suresh Prabhu, MP; Aloke Mehta, MP;Vijay Darda, MP, Lalit Modi, Ram Jethmalani, Dilip Padgaonkar, Sudeendhra Kulkarni, Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah and many others. Japanese Ambassador Yasukuni Enoki was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that India and Japan have entered a new phase of friendship, which would significantly impact the world. The relations which had been silent for the past 10-years are now growing at a rapid pace as Japan has re-discovered India and both are natural allies in the road towards progress, said the Japanese Prime Minister while appreciating the work done by India Centre Foundation in strengthening the relations between the two countries. The Foundation and particularly it’s chairman Vibhav Kant Upadhyay, he said has played a vital role in building cultural, social and economic linkages between the two countries. Welcoming the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said that Abe’s visit to India was a historic one and marked the high watermark of Indo-Japanese relations. Extending warm welcome to Japanese entrepreneurs in Gujarat, Modi said that they were aiming at building a miniJapan in Gujarat that would be a hub of industrial growth in the country. CPI(M) general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, recalled that Prime Minister Abe was the grandson of the first postwar Prime Minister of Japan and was playing a crucial role in improving the Indo-Japan relations. Both India and Japan complement each other and if they build a strong relationship, they can reach the pinnacle of the new pecking order in the world, he added. Dwelling on the role played by India Center Foundation, chairman Vibhav Kant Upadhyay, said “India and Japan are natural friends and friendship between two countries will benefit and service the world besides the two nations.” Here it must be mentioned that India Center Foundation has played a crucial role in promoting India-Japan relations and it was instrumental in the successful creation of India-Japan Global partnership which was announced by the Prime Ministers’ of both the countries in the wake of post-Pokharan sanctions. India Center Foundation was established in 1996 with the vision of catalyzing the relationship between the two countries. Earlier, addressing a business meeting organized jointly by FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe underlined the need for a bilateral currency swap agreement and called upon the private sector in both countries to assist their respective governments in meeting the challenge of climate change that Japan and India have decided to tackle at the global level. Mr. Abe reiterated his government’s commitment to assist India in infrastructure development, particularly the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata Dedicated Freight Corridors and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. Page- 20
News From Webindia123.com ‘Namaste India 2007’: Shahrukh popular in Japan Tokyo | Sunday, Oct 7 2007 IST Raj Kapoor’s ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ is now old hat -- it is ‘King’ Khan who rules the hearts and minds of the Japanese. The two-day extravaganza ‘Namaste India 2007’ -- organised here last week by the India Center Foundation witnessed hordes of Japanese, mostly girls, flocking the Bollywood stall to purchase audio and video CDs of Indian films and posters of film stars. The first choice by far was the ‘Badshah of Bollywood’ Shah Rukh Khan. A salesperson at the Bollywood stall said they had sold ‘hundreds of t-shirts’ carrying ‘King’ Khan’s photograph. Also selling like hotcakes were CDs of films featuring the ‘Bollywood Badshah’ during the extravaganza held here on September 29 and 30. But it is not that the Japanese have forgotten the golden oldies -- they fondly remember the hit Hindi film songs of yesteryears including ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ and the lilting classical ‘Mohe Panghat pe Nand Lal Chhed Gayo Re’ from the timeless Mughale-Azam, among others. The two-day festival aimed at enhancing awareness about India and its culture and sharing India’s feelings towards Japan, had several features like Punjabi folk dance,’ Bhangra’, Indian classical and other folk dances, performances by Mumbai artist s on Bollywood dances. However Punjabi ‘Bhangra’ topped all the features and made Japanese and Indians throng the pavilion and dance to the tune of drum beats, braving torrential rains with umbrellas in their hands. Punjabi ‘Kulcha and Chhole Bhature’ and south Indian cousines like ‘Dosa’ and ‘Vada’ remained the crowd pullers with thousands devouring the dishes. Among the sweets,’Jalebi’ was the most sought after, while Japanese boys and girls got themselves photographed as ‘Maharaja’ and ‘Maharani’ in the backdrop of the famous Taj Mahal. They also tried being tattooed with ‘Mehendi’. A special feature, Karoke, also held its charm with both Indians and Japanese participating in it, testing their skills in music and singing. Japanese Mayo Amagai, with her voice and Yasuka Nanbv, with her flute kept the audience spellbound. The highlight of “Namaste India 2007” was the presence and participation of Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, which was described by India Center Chairperson Vibhav Kant Upadhyay as an endeavour to bring Babaji’s legacy of yoga and India Center’s legacy of global partnership together to work towards a prosperous, peaceful and harmonious Asia, with a special focus on India and Japan, all of this based on a firm foundation of India’s national development. India Center is a non-profit organisation working as a catalyst in the process of national development. One of its key roles is to facilitate global partnership between India and friendly countries, like Japan. The Japanese mission of India Center Foundation was established here in 1996 with the vision of identify, the role of Japan in India’s development. ‘India-Japan Global Partnership’, ‘Strong India, Strong Japan and Strong Japan, Strong India,’ terms coined by the foundation have become integral parts of bilateral agreements of both nations. The year 2007 is being celebrated as the Year of Friendship between India and Japan. Baba Ramdev delivered discourses on yoga and health, and taught the Japanese the importance of Pranayams, to relieve stress in today’s mechanical life and keep fit.
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Themes for Japanese Corporations Special Feature: Japan’s Belated Entry into Indian Markets Interview with a Leading Figure in Indo - Japan Private-Sector Diplomacy: “If India’s software and Japan’s hardware join forces, we can expect great developments.”
Making Indo - Japan relationship a model for the world A century ago, Okakura Tenshin (Japanese critic of arts: 1863-1913), called for the unification of Asian countries, then under the colonial rule of western powers, with his famous phrase “Asia is one.” Okakura’s message had a great impact and gave considerably encouragement to Indian leaders who were fighting for their independence from the British rule. However, from the Meiji Restoration (1868) onwards, Japan devoted itself to catching up and overtaking the western powers, symbolized by the slogan “Out of Asia, into the West.” In the period after the Second World War, India and Japan continued to pursue respectively their own paths, but in recent years, Indo-Japan relationship has been growing stronger in economic areas. “For nations to grow, foreign partnerships are essential. In the coming age it will be vital for nations to co-operate and mutually harness their distinctive features,” says Vibhav Kant Upadhyay, Chairman of India Center. As Chairman of India Center, Upadhyay is actively engaged in promoting private-sector exchanges between India and Japan. He was very impressed by Japan’s former Prime Minister, Yasuhiro Nakasone when he visited India in 1984 (Upadhyay was fourteen at that time) and in 1992 he took admission in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Tokyo. After coming to Japan, he wondered ‘Why there is no deepening of relations between India and Japan, even though there is no conflict at all between us?” Realizing that Japan’s support was necessary for India’s efficient nation building, he founded India Center in 1996 to deepen the bilateral relations between the two countries. Although Japanese companies are now entering Indian markets one after another, their presence is still not strongly felt. According to Upadhyay, this is because “Japanese companies have been too market-conscious. From now on, it’s important for India and Japan to explore what they can do for the world within the framework of their Global Partnership. If both countries are to reinforce their interdependence with India’s software and Japan’s hardware put together, we can expect a world-wide sustainable development.” “I’m a pure Indian, I have India’s best interests on priority. ‘Stronger relations between Japan and India would greatly benefit both countries,” says Upadhyay. To achieve this he believes three things are essential: “Common themes, Communication, and Economy”. Taking into account these factors, we must take courageous actions and initiatives to ensure a sustainable relationship.” Upadhyay also points out that “India’s economic growth may be great, but the ways we have adopted to achieve it are quite classical.” He hopes now that “This new Indo-Japan relationship will give a positive impact to the whole world.”
Chief Minister of Gujarat Visits Japan to Promote Economic Exchange Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of the state of Gujarat in western India, visited Japan in mid-April. Among India’s states, Gujarat has achieved a particularly high growth rate of 10.2%. Chief Minister Modi was accompanied by 40 representatives of major corporations in the state. He encouraged Japanese companies to invest in Gujarat, pointing out that “the freight corridor between Mumbai and Delhi will pass through Gujarat and since the nearest port to northern India is in Gujarat, it can be utilized not only for connecting India’s internal markets’ but also for exportation to Europe.” This state-level promotion is making a positive stream of Japanese investment in India, and personal exchanges in non-governmental sectors are also flourishing. (From Zaikai, May 29, 2007 [p. 71])
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A New Framework for Dialogue between Japan, China and India Mr. Vibhav Kant Upadhyay Chairperson of India Center Born in India, Mr. Upadhyay studied at the graduate school of the University of Tokyo under Professor Ken Sakamura, the creator of the TRON architecture. Establishing India Center in 1996, he is committed to promoting cultural, economic and political partnership between Japan and India. I decided to study in Japan, instead of the United States, because I anticipated that the 21st century would be ‘the Asian Age.’ But although Japan and India cooperated with each other during World War II, there have not been many fruitful dialogues between them since. It was as if, for most of the Japanese, an Asian border meant the India-Myanmar (Burma) border. I established ‘India Center’ in 1996. The first thing I worked on was cultural exchange by means of showing Indian films. Muthu was run on this occasion. After India’s nuclear tests, relations between the two countries worsened. Although Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and his delegation visited India, our partnership has not strong enough. Now India has the greatest need for infrastructure and Japan can play an important role in the nationbuilding in India. In addition, India has abundant skilled labor, software development facilities, philosophy, flourishing pharmaceutical industry and advanced biotechnology. Indians are most thankful to you, the Japanese, for your help in the Indian independence movement and the 1991 currency crisis in India. If Japan intends just to take advantage of India’s economic boom, relations between them will end in an anticlimax. We should envisage a global partnership, based on which we can unite our strengths and consider what we can do on a global scale. For example, Japan and India can cooperate in oil development in African countries. In the long run, China and India will become economic superpowers and together with Japan will constitute three poles in Asia. Isn’t it possible to develop a new framework for dialogue between the three poles? India can serve as a mediator between China and Japan whose relations have been deteriorated by the issue of differences in interpretations of history and then the three leading powers can carve out a future for Asia. The construction of Beijing Office of India Center is under way. I hope our private-sector partnership will become a bridge between the three nations. (Interviewer: Hidetoshi Isogai)
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Huge Business Potential Emphasized: Industrial Mission from Gujarat Makes First Visit to Japan An industrial mission from the Indian state of Gujarat visited Japan on April 17, 2007. The mission, led by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, consisted of around 50 delegates from the Gujarat Government and major corporations in the state. During its stay, the mission met with Japanese government officials and visited domestic companies to promote Gujarat as an attractive investment destination. In addition to Tokyo, it toured Osaka and Hiroshima to encourage direct investment in Gujarat. Situated in western India, Gujarat is one of the most industrialized states in the country, accounting for 16 percent of India’s industrial output. Approximately 700 kilometers of the 1,200-kilometer economic corridor being built between the capital city of Delhi and the commercial city of Mumbai will pass through Gujarat. The mission emphasized that the corridor will offer a tremendous amount of business opportunities. (From “Broad Catch,” Keizaikai, May 22nd)
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“On the initiative of India Center Then Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Koizumi gave an official message to the citizens of India on his one day state visit to India.”
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Not to end Indo-Japan relations as just a boom…
“There is a big deal of misunderstanding about India among the Japanese.” Part 1 Kazuo Noda, Honorary President, Tama University Sumio Morijiri, Visiting Professor, Mangalore University, India Vibhav Kant Upadhyay, Chairperson, India Center There is an increasing interest in the IT Giant, India. But probably most Japanese have very little knowledge of India. In order to solve our misunderstanding and prejudice, the KEIZAIKAI let’s these three people talk on India from the bottom of their hearts. A great deal of prejudice and misunderstanding Q: Nowadays there is rising interest in India among the Japanese business community. However, it seems to me that this India boom is rather over-heated. What do you think about that? Noda: The Japanese have very little knowledge of India. I really felt the scales falling from my eyes after I talked to my friends like Mr.Upadhyay and Mr.Morijiri. For instance, when most Japanese think of India, the first thing that comes into their mind would be the caste system. I think they have a great deal of misunderstanding and prejudice about the caste system. Upadhyay: The word “Caste” itself is not an Indian word. It is originally a Portuguese word which means lineage and that has been transformed into a word symbolizing various social structures or classes in the Indian society. Q: According to the data, the caste system is the class system in Hinduism. Back to 13 century BC when the Aryans conquered India, it is said that the caste system was formed as a part of Brahmanism. The basic castes (4 varnas) are Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra and the rest beneath the four, but they are even divided into many sub-castes. The Brahmin is normally translated as “priest” and can hold holy religious positions and also can perform the religious rites. The Kshatriya on the other hand is translated as “royalty”, or “warrior”, which means kings and aristocrats with military and political power. The Vaishya is translated as “common man” who usually holds commercial and manufacturing job. The Sudra can only take a job which normal people do not want and is often translated as “Slave”. The people below these castes “Achute” is known as untouchables. They have no power and have to live at the mercy of the Hindus.
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Upadhyay: This is an incomplete and narrow understanding of social stratification in India. When the British colonized India 300 years ago, they twisted this system and exploited it for their taxation purpose. This had a negative effect on India’s social structure and due to this India fell into a chaos and had an identity crisis. The British did this to serve their own purposes and did not really consider India’s long term interests here. Morijiri: The Indians were re-structured in terms of social class because of the British colonization. There lies the tragedy of modern India. We also had the social class system called SHINOUKOUSHOU (Warrier, Farmer, Artisans and Merchants) in Japan. Suppose the British and the French who came to Japan misinterpreted this system as mere class system. The same thing had happened in India and the castes system. In short, the origin of the caste system was the division of occupation or profession and the regional diversity. In a simple word, it indicates where you were born. Upadhyay: That is exactly what happened. Also, in India, it is customary for a normal Indian to transmit his social status to his son or daughter. That is why the system is continued till now.
Respect and affection for Japan Q: What do the Indian people feel about Japan? Upadhyay: Many Indians say that Japan lost the World War II in battle but won the war itself. The war does not always mean with arms but also an economic war. Therefore, with all things considered they felt Japan won the war. In fact, there are quite a few people in India who have respect and affection towards Japan.
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Morijiri: Japanese textbooks are creating a dispute in China and Korea as you all know. I was curious to know how the things are percieved in other Asian countries and did some research on the Indian history textbooks. Starting from the most familiar part of the Indian history, next to Mahatma Gandhi or the father of the nation, Subash Chandra Bose, who was the leader of radical independent movements is mentioned. Bose was active in Tokyo during the war and later became the commander-in-chief of the Indian National Army which was mainly consisted of Indian prisoners of war from then British Malaya and Hong Kong. In 1944 he joined the Japanese army in the operation in Imphal, The textbook goes on mentioning how patriotic he was and how he wanted to have close Indo-Japan relations. Of course, the Japan’s post-war economic growth is mentioned. Japan lost the war. However, like Meiji Restoration, the people around the Emperor were full of patriotism and protected the nation, and the heart’s of the Japanese people. Upadhyay: The Indians deep in their mind have friendly feelings towards the Japanese. On the other hand, they feel that the Japanese have overlooked the world politics in the last 60 years after the war. For the last 60 years the USA has taken care of the odds for Japan. For example it is like telling your son that he does not need to go shopping, to get a hair cut or to go to school everything will be delivered to him on his doorstep. This is what America did for Japan, everything Japan needed was delivered to the doorstep by the USA. If I can say further it was like telling Japan that it does not even need to study and should sit in front of the computer at home and master the computer games. By doing so, the world became virtual, and the virtual world looked like the real world. Especially among the young Japanese this tendency is quite strong. After 60 years of post-war, the imaginary box created by the USA is breaking down. At the same time the people who helped make this framework are also “going”. On the other hand, around the same time India made its own political framework and went into the real world, and battled through for its survival. Therefore, their mind’s have got sharpened. Morijiri: Behind his remarks, there is what the Japanese call India’s “all round diplomacy”. It has been 60 years since India became independent in 1947 after World War II. During these 60 years India has kept its position of not signing the Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) despite global criticism and has proceeded with a nuclear program with its own will. Even after President Bush visited India last March and Indo-US relation became significantly better, India is still keeping its historical ties with Russia. Even with Pakistan against which India had several wars, India, is trying to improve its relations. The reason why India does not understand Japan lies in the fact that the Japanese do not express themselves to the world like India has done in the past. I think this kind of Japanese diplomacy is what Mr.Upadhyay was trying to point out.
Japanese diplomacy without strategy Q: The manner in which Japan is dealing with India now is a very dicey one. Moreover, it is even obvious to India that Japan shifted its attention to India suddenly because Japan had problems with China and Korea. Noda: I feel ashamed as a Japanese but it is the fact. Why can’t the Japanese leaders have the strategic thinking that creates desirable Sino-Japanese and Korean-Japanese relations while pursuing understanding and cooperation of India, in a manner that could convince the world intellectuals? Morijiri: Indian economy is now booming. Therefore, there is a tendency in Japan to go aggressively into the Indian market and participate in its booming economy. In my opinion, without the substance, this will not lead to actual growth. Upadhyay: When I started India Center in 1996, our main objectives were to improve Indo-Japanese relations and to make it more concrete. To do so, we would need to create not only the policy level structure but also an actual model. I have been thinking of these two countries in a timeframe of decades.
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Morijiri: Japan has taken to following US policy. Naturally, India can not be trusted in an extension of this policy. Japanese business seems to me to be biased towards China in particular in Asia. It however is believed to be changing its course at its own pace. Upadhyay: The most well-known event in Indo-Japan relations should be Tokyo Tribunal. Among the judges from the Allied forces from 11 countries who participated in Tokyo Tribunal, only Judge Radha Binod Pal from India raised an absolute objection to the verdict to try the then Japanese political leaders as war criminals. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharal Nehru also maintained friendly relations with Japan. That is why India and Japan had enjoyed very amicable relations between 1947 and 1964 till Nehru died. Indira Gandhi, who succeeded Nehru, also tried to continue the same track. However, India faced civil unrest, general strikes became rampant and there was even a war with Bangladesh. Due to these events, many Japanese companies left India between 1974 and 1975. Around that time, India also had diplomatic clash with USA on domestic policies and many of you still recall that IBM and Coca Cola had to withdraw from India. When the Japanese companies saw the US companies withdrawing, they just automatically followed them. India must have found it very odd.
India and Nuclear Noda: Certainly India went through a very tough time due to the civil unrest and other events while Japan was witnessing a high economic growth at home. Upadhyay: When the then Prime Minister Mori visited India in August 2000, both India and Japan agreed to establish Indo-Japanese Global Partnership. The Indian people received this news with great joy, saying that this will be a good opportunity to fill the gap created between the two countries after the World War II. The Japanese side also changed its perception of India then and saw a great potential in IT industry. But in 1998, after the Indian nuclear tests, remember the Japanese political leadership had then taken a drastic position which is totally opposite of the past policies toward’s India! Japan so far has not explained this change of position to India properly. Morijiri: Talking about Prime Minister Mori, he was laughed at by pronouncing IT as “it” (sic). But it is also true that this episode started the interest in India among the Japanese. Upadhyay: I will give you an example to show how little the Japanese policy makers knew about India. When India conducted the nuclear tests in 1998, the Japanese government imposed various economic sanctions by stopping grant assistance, canceling new yen loans etc. We do not mind if Japan imposes the sanction with its own will, but what actually happened was only after Japan was briefed on India by a certain country, Japan felt that India’s actions were outrageous. There was no diplomatic strategy behind and I can only say that it was a rather shameful behavior on the part of the Japanese government. Japanese politicians did not understand why India made such decision and what the background was. It is actually the Indians who advocate the elimination of nuclear weapons more than the Japanese. The nuclear states had continued nuclear tests despite already possessing nuclear weapons while India has consistently appealing to the world that the nuclear tests by India are merely for civil nuclear power. At the same time, India has been telling the international community that NPT and CTBT are nonsense and without substance, and that NPT and CTBT should add a sentence stating the elimination of all the nuclear weapons in the world. Q: Why did India conduct such nuclear tests? Upadhyay: I was asked the same question, as if India wanted to spread nuclear weapons in the world. That is not so. In France, people communicate in French; in China in Chinese; in Japan in Japanese. How can you communicate with someone who only knows a “nuclear” language without having “nuclear” yourself? We are capable of making a nuclear weapon and have a right to make one but will not make one. India wants to keep this as its last resort. India sent a secret code to the world, using the language of “nuclear”. Unfortunately, it was not recived propley by the japanese. Morijiri: In short, the question lies whether Japan that has not expressed itself in the past could punish India for its self-defense strategy.
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Double-Standard Upadhyay: There are some people who say that India wanted the nuclear weapons because she has conflict with her neighbors like Pakistan and China. At present, there are 50 million Indians living all over the world. If we approach the country in such narrow perspectives, we can not live in this world. India was often asked by the international community whether she is with Russia or with USA. India has declared not to side with either of them. India must have been one of the first nations which expressed her stand so clearly without hesitation. Noda: Japan does change its stand very quickly and drastically when something happens. That’s why Japan is not able to earn the trust from the others. Morijiri: When Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited the USA in July 2005, both countries agreed on civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries in a wide range of areas. When US President Bush visited India in March 2006, the specification and the separation of civil and military nuclear facilities in India, which was a part of the earlier agreement, were also agreed upon. USA in short has adopted double standards vis a vis India which has been made possible by that country’s long history of diplomatic capability. Noda: Japan should also adopt such double standards. By doing so Japan’s value would also go up. Upadhyay: If Japan who is supposed to be a friend of India, really wishes to understand the true feelings of the Indian people on the nuclear issue, Japan should recognize the fact that the Indian Parliament still observes two-minute silence on August 6th and 9th every year. Probably most of the Japanese are also not aware of the fact that 90% of the iron which makes Tokyo Marunouchi office buildings is from Indian iron ore. After the war, it was India that continued to export iron ore to Japan despite the fact that many countries refused to do so. It was August 15th, 1947 when India became independent from Great Britain, which was exactly two years later than when Japan made a new step to a modern nation. I strongly feel there must be some hidden thoughts behind this coincidence. Morijiri: What we should consider doing right now is to talk to the Indian people on these issues in a proper manner. I repeatedly have discussions with students in Mangalore University in India on these issues everyday, but we can not have the same kind of talks with Indian students in Japan. Probably it is because we, like any ordinary Japanese, can not grasp the true state of the problem between the two countries. Upadhyay: India and Japan, that both started new nation-building after the World War II, somehow managed to keep their ties due to the legacy of the political leaders of both countries. However, the priority of the political leaders in both countries was totally different. India emphasized the social infrastructure first; meanwhile Japan gave the economy a first priority. Japan after the end of war with most of its land reduced to ashes was facing a severe shortage of food while India was fertile at time of independence. India had 100% self-sufficiency of food at that time. Foreign reserves were sufficient and there was quite a bit of revenue from licensing. The social infrastructure, however, was totally broken down. As a result of 200~300 years of colonization from the other nation, the Indian people had been brainwashed to accept a situation however bad it may be. Therefore, after independence, India emphasized the restructuring of society by establishing political, educational and judicial systems. Now India’s IT sector is attracting world attention. It did not start yesterday. IT sector in India was already active in the 70’s.
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Great Agriculture State Noda: Indian engineers are the essential elements for the development of Silicon Valley in the USA. Upadhyay: It was not because the Indian Government promoted the IT industry but it came out naturally and a great number of people have gone into this industry. Noda: One more thing I would like to point out in terms of Japanese misunderstanding on India is that people always associate India with IT but it is actually an agricultural State. It is very surprising to know that India with a population of 1.3 billion enjoys 130% self-sufficiency in food. Q: What should be done to improve Indo-Japan relations? Upadhyay: Not only Indian IT sector but also Indian pharmaceutical industry is growing rapidly. However, what we have to take a good care of is our agriculture sector. That is to say we have to make Indian agriculture strategically a strong sector. If Japan really wishes to cooperate with India after understanding all the problems India faces, there is no other country in the world better equipped than Japan that has very good ideas and remarkable achievements and technological know-how. India already meets the initial criteria to start a partnership with Japan as India does not have any disputes over the past war against Japan like other Asian countries. As for what India actually wants Japan to take a roll on, the readers can wait till the next issue. Sumio Morijiri: Born in Tokyo in 1941. Unfinished BA in Faculty of French Literature, Waseda University. Former Director of Waseda Drama Theater. Part-time Professor at Faculty of Literature at Waseda University. Former Board of Director at Folk Art Society. Former Visiting Professor at Kannada University, Karnataka, India. Former Lecturer at the Faculty of Central Policy, Chuo University and at Okinawa University of Fine Arts. At present, Visiting Professor at Mangalore University, Karnataka, India and Research Fellow at Tokyo Foundation and at Theater Museum of Waseda University. Vibhav Kant Upadhyay: Born in Agra, India in 1969. Since childhood had a strong interest and admiration for Japan, “the land of rising sun”. Started to study Japanese language and deepened his understanding of Japanese culture and society. Received MA in Computer Science from Allahabad University and also MA in Communications from Tokyo University. During MA studies at Tokyo University, founded India Center as a bridge between India and Japan. Has been Chairperson on India Center since 2002 when India Center became an NPO. Kazuo Noda: Born in Aichi in 1927. Received BA in Sociology from Tokyo University. Special Research Fellow at Tokyo University. Post-Doctoral Fellow at MIT, USA. Professor at Sociology Department, Rikkyou University. President at Tama University. Director at Nippon Institute of Research and Institute for Social Development and Research. Known also for his translation of Peter Drucker’s works and for university reforms.
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Special Discussion The main issue of Indo-Japan relations lies in agriculture.
“Japan should be prepared to sweat it out with India” (Part II) Mr.Kazuo Noda (Honorable President, Tama University) Mr.Sumio Morijiri (Visiting Professor, Mangalore University, India) Mr.Vibhav Kant Upadhyay (Chairperson, India Center Foundation) The special discussion that followed the last issue of the magazine goes into the theories of the participants. The key, they say, is agriculture. We let the participants develop their own ideas on this subject in a more concrete way. (by Sontoku Sato, Chief Editor of the KEIZAIKAI and the convener of this discussion)
Great Agricultural State Q: In our previous session, we have discovered a new side of India. What should be done in order to bring India and Japan closer? Noda: Japan should concentrate on what could be done in agricultural development and infrastructure in India rather than looking only at IT and other major industries. Upadhyay: Indian agriculture is quite competitive even from a global point of view. However, due to its recent economic development, the disparity between the rich and the poor has become more serious. At the same time, the growth gap between the agriculture and other sectors has also become widened. It is then possible that some Indian farmers start thinking that it is not wise to continue their agriculture any more. If this happens, there would be absolutely no difference between India and China. Therefore, we must undertake a reform in India’s agriculture to make it stronger. For a strong Asia, a strong Indian agriculture is indispensable. Morijiri: In terms of Japanese food supplies, we cannot neglect India, but it is in Indian agriculture where Japan can in return play a significant role. I think there lie’s a great potential for Japan in Indian agriculture. Noda: Needless to say, cutting-edge industries such as IT and biotechnology should be applied to the innovation of agriculture sector. Morijiri: The other issue would be the infrastructure. For instance, we are building roads road; not highways in the cities but freight corridors to connect between agricultural areas and cities. That is to say, we should develop logistic infrastructure. Last April (2005) when Prime Minister Koizumi visited India, he promised to assist ODA project to build two high-speed freight corridors: Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata. Since then, there has been a hopeful confusion among the Indian, mixing the issues about the construction project of the Bullet Train with that of the freight corridors. I am afraid that we cannot transport muddy vegetables by the Bullet Train. (Laugh…)
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Noda: After the war, as an island country, Japan has laid too much emphasis to the development of its infrastructure and its industries. Therefore, Japanese agriculture and agricultural areas have been drastically deteriorated. The declining and also aging rural population, as well as the widening gap in the standard of living between the rural areas and the cities, has made national-level development slower. When I look at the great continent power, China, since the 90’s, I cannot help thinking that China is following the same line that Japan has taken after the war, but with much greater speed and more aggressively. As for India, aspiring to be the sub-continent power with high hopes, there is a big difference between India and China in terms of geographic and historical aspects as well as national characters. This does not allow India not to face the above mentioned problems like decreasing and aging population and the economic disparity between the rural areas and the cities. Q: In Japan, the social disparity has recently been widening. I imagine that there may be a much greater gap in India. Is that the case? Morijiri: The success of India in not causing further social disparities would depend on how and from what angle it tackles its economic development. I would favor pushing agricultural development but would oppose Japan’s present “go go” approach towards India. Upadhyay: Japan could become a true partner of India only after understanding various problems that India faces. I would really hope that they do.
Looking 30 years ahead Morijiri: At the same time it is a big business chance for Japan. The USA assists (India) with nuclear energy development. What Japan can do in this field would be only to assist in developing the turbine or the water power exchange system. It is at a level of subcontracted works. On the other hand, there are a number of things in Indian agriculture that Japan can contribute to - from small tractors to infrastructure. Upadhyay: The Japanese economy is the “(al)ready-made economy”. It is not what the Indian are trying to create. What they actually want to build up is an economy system elaborated and produced by themselves. India is a country which can not utilize ready-made products and systems. If you just need to export ready-made products, the South-Koreans may be much more skillful. I want Japan to join hands with India, thinking together about what is best for India. In my opinion, only when Japan is prepared to take this kind of attitude to India, the latter in return could give the former a vast range of economic merits. Morijiri: In India refrigerators can sell but not washing machines because there are people who are in charge of your laundry coming to your home, and they do not want to take away their work from these people. On the other hand, how about introducing Japanese supermarket system? Why don’t you reconstruct this system from zero in India? You would then come to understand how the logistics system of Indian agriculture functions, what the problems are, and how it could be reformed. In this thinking process, you could create a huge, efficient and effective system.
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Upadhyay: I am trying to get 35 out of 48 episodes of “Project X” by NHK, translated into Indian languages and get them broadcasted throughout the country so that the Indians would understand Japan. By watching this program, you would come to know that at that time, the Japanese were such commendable people who had their own ideas, went into unexplored areas to build the present Japan. Of course, there are also many commendable people in Japan at present (Laugh). The Japanese themselves should think in what situation Japan should be after 30 years from now. India should be approached in this way; otherwise anything would not go well. For instance, Toyota Motors is a front runner in hybrid technology. If so, why don’t they manufacture all the hybrid cars in India and send them out to the world? The price of a hybrid car would come down to one third. For India, the fuel cost would be less and the emission from such cars would also be cleaner. That would also reduce harmful gas emission making holes in the ozone layer. Q: You suggest to us making the Indian version of “Project X”. You mean that we should sweat together there. Noda: After the Meiji Restoration, Japan transformed dramatically itself from an agricultural nation to an industrial one. It was made possible because Japan conveniently had taken in the latest technologies from the West. But its agriculture, which was then the major industry of the country, had already reached a surprising high level of productivity by the end of Edo period, which most Japanese are not aware of. Thanks to the high level of its agriculture, consumer classes such as warriors and merchants could maintain a high standard living and the Edo culture was nurtured to its prosperity. It was not only that. What is most significant is that the educational level of the Japanese, including farmers at that time, must have been at the top of the world. That made it possible for Japan to take in Western culture so conveniently in such a short period of time. Later in the industrialization process, the Japanese looked down on agriculture as a slogging industry and even brought a downfall of the rural areas especially after the war. However, the wisdom and the diligence of the Japanese farmers still remain in the blood of the present Japanese. The people in the agricultural sector must have accumulated world class knowledge and know-how. If Japan can contribute to Indian agriculture with all this knowledge, it would be rated high at the top not only in India but in the world. Upadhyay: I want Japan to be not a “trader” but a “solution provider”. As a trader, the Arab, the Chinese and the Koreans are much more skillful. Japan should act with moderation, in understanding its own limitation. Japan can not play a trader’s role.
The Japanese must have strategy! Noda: Most Japanese have no interest in India aside from IT and do not have basic knowledge of Indian agriculture. Upadhyay: India’s strong point now, aside from IT, would be the pharmaceutical sector. The sales in the 2004 financial year were total USD 8.3 billion, out of which USD 4.5 billion was from the domestic market and USD 3.8 billion was from exports. The growth rates from the previous year were 12% and 26% respectively. This figure is the 13th in the world (in 2003) and the amount of production is the 4th in the world. Indian pharmaceutical giants like Rambaxy and Cipla are getting world attention. Especially Cipla is leading in the development of AIDS medicines. Morijiri: But at present, the US is more or less monopolizing the pharmaceutical industry. If you are not quick enough, you would be finished. Upadhyay: That is to say; “The Japanese must have strategy!” By having a strategy, Japan would definitely discover the breadth of India. In this regard, I would like the Japanese Prime Minister to go not only to Delhi and Mumbai but also to small villages in India when he goes for an official visit to India. There lie the true India and the true Indians. There must be plenty of things Japan could assist. Japan has a lot of know-how in this field. Nowadays there are many good supporters of India. The number of Japanese politicians who understand India is slowly increasing as well. But the media could play much bigger role in this regard. Unfortunately India seems to be mere “merchandise” for the Japanese media at present. Morijiri: It would be a great loss if Japan loses India’s trust in the future. Without India’s trust, Japan would have no further step in diplomacy.
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Q: The Japanese suffered after the end of its bubble economy. In my opinion, Japan should advise India as a friend through its experiences. Noda: What is worrying me on Japanese debate scene is the presumption of Japan being an advanced and developed country. It could be nothing but a conceit from ignorance. Morijiri: India was a rich country. It became poor due to the post-war management. Upadhyay: India as a country is poor but the people are not. Go to an Indian village and ask any villager if you are happy! Everyone would say “very happy”. Even if they don’t have a car or they don’t have a refrigerator, they are happy. Morijiri: The middle-class mentality and the concept of luxury which have been formed in the post-war Japan are totally different from that of richness the Indians have. The Indians are mentally very rich. Upadhyay: After 60 years from the War, Japan also realized that money is not everything. Nowadays, Japanese spend money on invisible items such as original beer making and esthetic treatments. That shows that the society is in a pursuit of its own happiness and relaxation.
The potential of Indian agriculture Morijiri: What would a convenient life be? What would richness mean? What would my identity be? These questions the Indians always ask themselves. Upadhyay: That is to say, the Indian model is not the US one. Morijiri: Japanese agricultural cooperatives, especially their youth training program, are in a very poor state. It is said that agricultural high schools and junior colleges in rural areas are not economically viable. Even then, if the Japanese understand India’ s needs and join hands with the Indians, there should be a solution to this problem. For instance, Japan should grow soy beans in India instead of buying them from the US. According to India’s Agriculture White Paper, there is 400% potential in India’s agriculture. That means there is a possibility which is 4 times bigger than now. For that, they need water and cultivation. Noda: Surely the Japanese can take action at best if given such missions. Upadhyay: What I want to say to both the Japanese and the Indians is that they should first ask themselves why Japan should join hands with India. Otherwise they would annoy each other. Morijiri: The problem in this would be that Japan wants somebody to answer “why”. Japan acts only after somebody gives an answer. Noda: I think Indo-Japanese relations would be widened if Japan acts with a sense of mission, passion, strategy and even human touch. In this regard, I rely on the efforts by the KEIZAIKAI as well as the insight of its readers. (Laugh) Q: I feel great responsibility as we have to digest today’s discussion. (Laugh)
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Toward’s the Age of Asian Symbiosis Dawning of the new Indo-Japan friendship-by means of people to people interaction Mr. Vibhav Kant Upadhyay Chairperson India Center Recently, we often hear the phrase ‘the Asian Age.’ In the 21st century to come, Oriental values such as spirituality and respect for cultures will become appreciated. In global politics and economics, also, Japan, India, and China will necessarily play an important role. Last year, India �. Similarly, in my view, Japan is also undertaking sweeping reforms now that over five decades have passed since the end of World War II. Historical Background It is in India that Buddhism was born and took a strong hold. Historically, relations between Japan and India date as far back as to the age of Buddha. Examples in the modern history include Japan’s support for Chandra Bose, the leader of the Indian fight for independence, Justice Radhabinod Pal, the only justice at the Tokyo war crimes tribunal to support Japan, and a regular supply of iron ore from India to help Japan in its postwar reconstruction. Moreover, Japan provided yen loans for India’s nation-building projects after its independence. And the crowning moment of the Japan-India relationship was in 1957 when Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited each other’s countries to strengthen the friendship. After that, however, both nations have had no further relations because, while Japan’s diplomatic strategies have been based on capitalist economics, India has pursued its so-called socialist economic policies. As if this deep friendly feeling in the past had fallen into oblivion, the present relations between Japan and India appear to be chilly compared with their relations with other nations. Necessity to strengthen Japan-India Relations Japan-India friendship is necessary as a symbol of peaceful Asia. Just like the United States and Europe, Japan and India share a common cultural heritage and has experienced no conflict. We Indians hope Japan will maintain its leadership position in Asia in the 21st century and the Japanese have a good feeling toward Indians. This is important to build up cultural and economic relations between both nations. Changing Geopolitical Realities Since the United States became a world’s superpower, the world has become unipolar. And the United States is now obliged to review its policies towards Asian and other nations. While global economic realities are also changing, competition has intensified and new types of conflicts have emerged but solutions to conflicts found in the bipolar era are not available any more. Meanwhile, the Asian Age is just around the corner and obviously Asia will attract worldwide attention to its economic and other aspects. In this changing world and in the Asian Age, Japan and India should establish their unique political and economic position. I figure it is in view of a new Japan-India relationship that the United States has recently concentrated its efforts on improving relations with China. Rapidly Changing International Relations Indian and Japanese relations with the United States have been rapidly changing. Japan’s high economic growth was a shock to the United States and for the latter the former is now an uncontrollable power rather than a friend. American strategists could not anticipate these consequences. They could not even imagine that a defeated nation with no natural resources, controlled under the Japan-US Security Treaty, could become an economic threat to its own. An Indian proverb says, “Nothing is more powerful than TIME, it takes care of everything.” The time has com� Japan, it is time fo� have always been a threat to India and that is why the India-Russia Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation has been repeatedly renewed. Now that Russia has given up its power, India is also seeking to cultivate friendship with other nations. If Japan-India relat� to Russia and may fin�s arms exports to China and other Asian countries. What is more, Japanese investment in India will facilitate Japan’s access to Russian markets. China’s expansion� counterbalance its influence. As you know, the 21st century is not the age of oil and arms but that of information, agriculture and the reconstruction of lost identities. If its economic progress continues at the current rate, China will face a food crisis in the near future. And when China becomes a leading food importer, India’s industrial products and Japan’s technical support are expected to satisfy China’s import needs. In this way, trilateral relations betwee� these three nations will be key players in the coming world order. Indian and Japanese Economies Indian and Japanese economies are complementary. On one hand, India has a vast expanse of land, natural resources, abundant skilled labor, expansive indus� hand, Japan has abundant capital, advanced technology, international markets, information network and a variety of business know-how. Natural resources, markets, lan� Prerequisites for the Development of Japan-India Relations The following are required to develop closer Japan-India relations: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8)
Establishment of long-term financial policies between Japan and India Removal of obvious gaps and emotional obstacles between both nations Promotion of economic relations at the private sector level as well as relations between both governments Political and economic organizations’ leadership in encouraging both populations to understand the importance of Japan-India relations Discussion of a wide range of topics between both nations Meetings of the eminent persons’ group to set guidelines for a new Japan-India friendship treaty or economic agreement like the agreement between India and the United States Establishment of Japan-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mutual communication through the media at various levels.
Among the above� superpower and a th� having the basis of trust and unconditioned friendship, it will be more like a danger to Japan, India and other Asian nations.
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A Word from our Neighbor Necessity of Strategic Thinking to Promote Japan-India Relations Mr. Vibhav Kant Upadhyay Chairperson of India Center (Tokyo) This January, government officials of Indian ruling and opposition parties came to Japan and visited Hiroshima. After visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, one of the officials said with tears, “This is a big mistake in the history of the human race.” At the sight of the devastating consequences of the atomic bomb, he expressed deep concern over India walking towards becoming a nuclear power. I think this remark of his serves as a benchmark for us to improve Japan-India relations. Since India conducted nuclear tests last year, Japan has imposed sanctions on India in line with the move by the United States. Not with sanctions, however, but through mutual understanding and partnership, could Japan urge India to learn about the devastating effects atomic bombs have. On his recent tour of India and Pakistan, U.S. President Bill Clinton was accompanied by American business leaders. The President knew India is ‘a strategic partner’ to the United States in not only politics but also economics. In contrast, Japanese people’s interest in India is not enthusiastic, except young people who say, “Indian films are having an underground boom.” Despite the fact that Indian markets continued to grow while Asia was facing an economic crisis, Japanese business leaders show far less interest in them than their counterparts in the United States and Europe. Geographically, Japan is situated on one side of China and India on the other side. Both are expected to be important ‘strategic partners’ to each other in politics and economics but it is not clear what strategies Japan intends to pursue in partnership with India. Although being the first to impose the sanctions, the United States is now saying to India, “Let’s be friends.” In contract, although just following the example of the United States, Japan shows no intention to lift the sanctions. It’s more of a Japan’s diplomatic failure than anything. Should Japan say to India, “Let’s be friends,” after the United States and India became ‘strategic partners,’ what answer could Japan get? India may say, “No thank you! We’ve already made friends with the world’s greatest superpower.” Before it’s too late, Japan should clarify its position as a ‘strategic partner in Asia.’
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India Center: Strengthening India-Japan Cultural and Economic Relations INTERVIEW with Mr. Vibhav Kant Upadhyay, Chairperson of India-Center Mr. Vibhav Kant Upadhyay Born in Agra, India, in 1969, Mr. Upadhyay graduated from Allahabad University in 1991 and received his degree from the University of Tokyo (graduate school). Committed to strengthening IndiaJapan cultural and economic relations, he has founded India-Center, a non-profit organization. He has also written articles and conducted lectures. We sincerely appreciate and thank you, Japanese people, for all levels of support for the 2001 West India Earthquake Relief. Japan-India partnership key to bolstering stability in Asia INTERVIEW Interviewer: What will be necessary for Japan and India? Upadhyay: I think the main thing is to establish close partnerships between Japan and India through dialogue in order to contribute to bolstering stability and peace in Asia and in the whole world. There has been no intimate dialogue between our two countries. But now we are in the 21st century and conditions have been arranged for us to build up our relations. Interviewer: Specifically, on what basis can we build up our relations? Upadhyay: Japan is now hoping its information technology (IT) industry will reach a scale of 25 trillion yen. But the scale will not be possible without increasing global sales and being competitive with its foreign rivals. It is human resources that furnish the key to the problem. Oil is sort of human resources for the IT industry. And it is India that has oil. A lot of Indian engineers contribute to the IT industry all across the world. India and its advanced IT are indispensable for Japan to be an IT superpower. India-Japan close relations will also contribute to bolstering stability in Asia and in the whole world. Interviewer: What do you think Japan should begin with? Upadhyay: Personal exchanges. And the exchanges have to be started immediately at all levels including policy-makers, opinion leaders and young people. Most of Indian young people go to the United States and Europe to study, not to Japan, because Japan does not provide any incentives. Under such circumstances, too, personnel exchange programs are imperatively needed. Interviewer: Aside from IT, in what other fields can we promote our partnership? Upadhyay: In the fields of education, agriculture and science. For example, since both Japan and India has excellent educational systems, we can provide personnel or help found universities to contribute to the development of education in other Asian countries. Interviewer: What is the intention of Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to visit Japan? Upadhyay: I think it’s to plant seeds for new relations between Japan and India, to lay ‘tracks’ on which things run smoothly for both of us. Last year, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori visited India and laid ‘foundation’ for our IT cooperation. It’s now the turn of the Indian Prime Minister. Interviewer: Manabu Hara, member of the international editorial staff of Asahi Shimbun
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Strategic Partnership between Japan and India Mr. Vibhav Kant Upadhyay Chairperson of India Center (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori will be visiting India on August 21. His Indian counterpart and officials are now waiting expectantly yet anxiously. It is the first visit to India by a Japanese prime minister in ten years and, as this diplomatic blank indicates, Japan-India post-war relations were not so close and even worsened because of ‘India’s nuclear tests.’ That is why India hopes Mr. Mori’s visit will not end in just a diplomatic gesture but become an opportunity to build ‘a friendly partnership’ surmounting the obstacle of ‘differences with regard to the issue of nuclear weapons.’ Although the United States called for sanctions and exerted pressure on India and Pakistan for their nuclear tests, U.S. President Bill Clinton visited India accompanied by American business leaders. Here, we can catch a glimpse of U.S. pragmatic diplomacy, readiness to exploit ‘India’s market potential.’ The United States must have another diplomatic strategy. In opposition to China being willing to interfere with U.S diplomacy, the United States may intend to add to the ‘bargaining chip’ of Japan another ‘bargaining chip’ of India, another Asian superpower. When a partnership is formed between Japan and India, two superpowers, some nations may find themselves pressured by it, and others may try to put a crimp in it. But Japan should understand where its national interests lie. India understands how Japan, as the only nation to have experienced the devastation of atomic attack, thinks about the issue of nuclear weapons and is never opposed to ‘the total abolition of nuclear weapons.’ To achieve the same goal, however, India has different strategies in view. If Japan is always bringing up the issue of nuclear weapons, India may become stubborn. Having colonial experience in its history, India has a strong dislike toward foreign interference. That explains why I used the word ‘anxiously’ at the beginning. With a population of 1 billion, India has a huge market potential and India and Japan can build a strategic partnership. In the information technology industry, India has sent a lot of engineers to the United States and there is a good prospect in cooperating with Japan. Japan’s technologies for environmental conservation and agricultural production management are highly appreciated in India. Japan-India dialogue is also important for Asian security. Ex-Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida established Japan-U.S. security ties and ex-Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka normalized diplomatic relations with China. India expects the current Prime Minister Mori, who ‘established our relationship as India-Japan Partnership,’ will take a historical step forward. The whole Asia is looking at Japan, wondering if Japan can have ‘a new partner.’
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