NEW DELHI/TOKYO: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads overseas on Thursday to meet the leaders of China, Japan and Russia, seeking to build closer diplomatic ties as New Delhi battles fallout from US President Donald Trump's escalating tariff offensive.
By drawing nearer to some of the world’s largest economies, including his first visit to China in seven years, Modi hopes to to boost support for his flagship 'Make in India' initiative, mainly from Japan, as Trump's measures spur new partnerships.
"This will be an opportunity to launch several new initiatives to build greater resilience in the relationship, and to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said of the Japan visit.
While New Delhi says it is relying on talks to resolve Trump's additional tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian exports, Japan's top trade negotiator cancelled a US visit over a snag in the two nations' tariff deal.
Modi’s visit to Japan on Friday and Saturday gains significance as both belong to the Quad grouping, along with Australia and the United States, which seeks to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Despite strained ties with Washington, India said Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba would discuss expanding cooperation within the framework of the regional security grouping. — Reuters
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