Saturday, April 30 2005 10:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Following are the highlights of the "Eight-fold Initiative for strengthening Indo-Japan Global Partnership" signed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his visiting Japanese counterpart Junichiro Koizumi in New Delhi.

- Enhanced Dialogue and Exchanges: Hold annual Prime Minister level meetings, alternately in the two capitals or elsewhere, a high level Strategic Dialogue to be launched.

- Comprehensive Economic Engagement: India-Japan Joint Study Group (JSG) to be launched by June 2005 to submit its report within a year. Will work for improved connectivity between the two countries including through civil aviation and shipping links.

- Enhanced Security Dialogue and Cooperation: Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard to commence efforts to establish a framework of effective cooperation.

- Science and Technology Initiative: To launch a new Science and Technology Initiative to explore possible substantial cooperation in areas such as modern biology, biotechnology and health care, agriculture, hydrocarbon fuels, nano-science and technology, environment, ICT, robotics, alternative sources of energy.

- Cultural and Academic Initiatives and Strengthening of people-to-people contacts: Establish a Japan Cultural Centre in New Delhi and an Indian Cultural Centre in Tokyo, introduce new academic exchange programme involving ten designated educational institutions on either side, hold a Festival of India in Japan and a Festival of Japan in India in 2007/08.

- Cooperation in UN and other International Organisations: Work together for the early realisation of UN reforms, particularly Security Council reform. Reiterate support for each other's candidature for permanent membership in an expanded Security Council. Move the process forward through consultation with a wide range of like-minded countries.

- Responding to International Challenges: India-Japan Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism to hold its first meeting soon to identity possible future areas of cooperation.