India draws inspiration from Japan to face challenges: PM

Tokyo, Oct 23 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India looked forward to the wise counsel and leadership of Japan in rising to the challenges thrown up by the global meltdown and terrorism.

''We wish to draw upon Japan's developmental experience and its traditional emphasis on consensus, harmony and balance in solving these problems that threaten global peace and prosperity,'' he said in his address at a reception by the Japan-India Association and Japan-India Parliamentary Friendship league.

Listing out the multiple challenges facing the world, Dr Singh said the spectre of recession in the global economy, coming as it did in wake of the energy and food crises, threatened to disrupt the rhythm of economic development in many developing countries.

''Terrorism is a danger to our peace loving societies. Climate change and environmental degradation threaten our beautiful planet,'' he noted.

He said it had been his earnest desire, for the past several decades, to see this relationship prospered and grew. ''I am happy to witness today the transformation of India-Japan relations.

It is truly developing into a global and strategic partnership.

''On the strength of our strong bilateral relationship, we stand as two major powers ready to play a commensurate global role. India believes that a strong and dynamic Japan is a factor of peace and stability in Asia and the world,'' the Prime Minister said.

Commending the contribution of the Indian community in Japan, Dr Singh said they had built bridges of friendship and understanding between the people. ''Their achievements have made India proud and we wish them well in their adopted home.'' Recalling the Jawaharlal Nehru's first visit to Japan in the late 1950s, he said this had laid the foundation of a new era of abiding friendship between the two Asian democracies.

UNI SH SW ATI BST0832