JAPAN-INDIA SUMMIT BILAT UNEVENTFUL; JAPAN STILL

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 001964 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2018 TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP ETRD IN JA SUBJECT: JAPAN-INDIA SUMMIT BILAT UNEVENTFUL; JAPAN STILL NON-COMMITTAL ON U.S.-INDIA CIVIL NUCLEAR DEAL Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Robert F. Cekuta for reasons 1.4(b) an d (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: There was no set agenda for the bilateral meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda and Indian Prime Minister Singh July 9 on the margins of the G-8 Summit. The two merely exchanged pleasantries with Fukuda assuring Singh that the Japan-India relationship remains one of Japan's top priorities and extending to him an invitation to visit later this year. Both agreed to accelerate negotiations on a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Singh briefed Fukuda on the status of the U.S.-India civil nuclear deal and asked for Japan's support at the IAEA Board of Governors and in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Fukuda replied that Japan is still considering the agreement. END SUMMARY. -------------- FUKUDA-SINGH BILAT A NON-EVENT -------------- ¶2. (C) In a meeting that received practically zero press coverage, Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda received Indian Prime Minister Singh for a bilateral summit July 9 at Toyako, Hokkaido, on the margins of the G-8. According to MOFA Southwest Asia Division India desk officer Naoshige Aoshima, the meeting had no set agenda and consisted mainly of an exchange of pleasantries. Aoshima, who was present at the meeting, said the atmospherics were very warm and friendly. Fukuda assured Singh the Japan-India relationship remains one of Tokyo's "top priorities" and invited him to visit Japan again later this year for a more substantive meeting. Both leaders committed to accelerating the ongoing negotiations between the two countries to finalize an EPA. (NOTE: The eighth round of negotiations is being held in Tokyo July 14-17. END NOTE.) Singh noted India is anxious to attract additional investment from Japan. Both leaders also agreed to work closely on climate change, according to Aoshima and a summary of the meeting distributed by MOFA. -------------- -------------- JAPAN "WILL CONSIDER" U.S.-INDIA CIVIL NUCLEAR ACCORD -------------- -------------- ¶3. (C) Prime Minister Singh briefed Fukuda on the latest developments with regard to the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement and asked for Japan's support in both the IAEA Board of Governors and in the NSG, Aoshima confirmed. According to the official MOFA readout of the meeting, Fukuda responded Japan would "consider it" and that, in the meantime, it hopes India will respond appropriately to the interests of international society, including Japan. Aoshima explained this means Japan hopes the agreement India reaches with the IAEA will be acceptable to all relevant parties and that it takes into consideration their interests. ¶4. (C) Japan's "we'll consider it" stance is not a change of position, continued Aoshima, who refused to be drawn out on reasons Japan might have to oppose the agreement. He did say Tokyo is studying the language of the draft IAEA agreement and wants to be certain there is a separation between India's civilian and military nuclear programs. Japan has concerns, he continued, about supplying nuclear fuel to countries that have a weapons capability and which are not part of the NPT regime. He said a decision to support the agreement would have to be made at the highest levels. Political officer replied that Japan should expect to hear in the future from high-level officials from both the U.S. and India on this issue. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶5. (C) Aoshima denied the Japan-India relationship has languished following the resignation over a year ago of then Prime Minister Abe, who seemed to take a personal interest in advancing relations. Aoshima insisted his office is working hard to put together Singh's upcoming visit sometime in the Fall, even if the date has not yet been finally agreed upon. As for Japan's stance on the nuclear deal, Tokyo realizes how important this initiative is to both Washington and New Delhi and we find it difficult to believe it will impose itself to block agreement between its most important ally and an increasingly important old friend. Cekuta