New Delhi: Japan on January 8 pressed hard on India to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime and sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) "as quickly as possible", even as it called for "more positive steps" for early resumption of Indo- Pak dialogue.

"I look forward eagerly to India's early signature to the CTBT, in order that two nations can work co-operatively for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation," Japanese Foreign Affair Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi said.

She said Japan urged India and other countries to join the NPT regime, which was the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

Welcoming India's "courageous decision" to redeploy its forces away from the border with Pakistan, she said in a Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)-organised meet, "I strongly hope that even more positive steps will be taken to lead to early resumption of dialogue between the two sides."

Japan was also pressing Pakistan to put a permanent end to infiltration across the line of control, she said.

Stressing on the need to ease out tension on the Indo-Pak border, the Japanese Minister said, "Indo-Pak war fear is adversely affecting Indian economy and improved relations are vital for making Indian market more attractive for investors."

She said terrorism was a matter of grave concern and "I share the indignation and grief of the people of India over the cruel terrorist attack on Parliament as well as over terrorism in Kashmir and other areas."

Supporting the draft comprehensive convention against international terrorism proposed by India at the United Nations, she said, "We support an early adoption of this draft convention."

PTI