India, Japan to boost military cooperation amid China growth

Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh is to pay a three day official visit to Japan from Monday. During his visit, Singh will hold wide-ranging talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe with special focus on giving boost to cooperation in defense, the economy and energy.

Singh will hold talks with Prime Minster Shinzo Abe on Wednesday in Tokyo.

Abe and Singh will discuss a visit to India by Japan's Emperor and Empress that could come as early as this year.

Abe is expected to offer about 700 million dollars in loans to India for the construction of a subway line in the western city of Mumbai.

The two leaders will issue a joint statement saying the 2 countries will promote negotiations toward signing a nuclear cooperation agreement.

The pact will enable Japan to export nuclear-related technologies to India for the construction of nuclear power stations.

The statement is also expected to include promotion of joint exercises between Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and India's navy.

The 2 countries are trying to enhance security cooperation in consideration of China's increased activities on the high seas.