Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

Mr. Abe, who is accompanied by his wife Akie Abe is in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home State Gujarat to attend the 12th Indo-Japan Summit and to lay foundation for high-speed bullet trains.

As it happened:

Indo Japan annual business summit

5:20 p.m.: Project of Varanasi Convention Centre is a symbol of cultural co-operation between Kyoto city of Japan and Varanasi. India and Japan are ancient civilisations and vibrant democracies. We know how to distribute the benefits to people, he says.

5:17 p.m.: A series of administrative reforms have significantly improved the business sentiment in the country. Japan can benefit tremendously with the size and scale of our potential & skilled hands that India offers, says Mr. Modi.

5:15 p.m.: As another novel initiative, the foundation has been laid for production of Lithium batteries for electric mobility, Mr. Modi says.

We are positioning India as global manufacturing hub. We are also positioning India as Knowledge hub, says Mr. Modi highlighting his government's initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India and Start Up India.

5:10 p.m.: We are grateful for the support of Japanese government in the bullet train project. A training institute is also shaping up. It will develop the makers of New India, he says.

Four locations have been finalized for development of Japanese Industrial Townships in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu, he says.

As another novel initiative, the foundation has been laid for production of Lithium batteries for electric mobility, Mr. Modi says.

5:00 p.m.: "When I first visited Japan as CM of Gujarat, I had said that I want to see a mini Japan in Gujarat. Today that dream has come true," Mr. Modi says.

Gujarat’s Industry and Government still cherish the fact that Japan became the first partner country in Vibrant Gujarat event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says.

4:40 p.m.: Shinzo Abe starts addressing Indo Japan annual business summit. Japan is ready to support Mr. Modi's Make in India, says Mr. Abe.

Suzuki's factory in Gujarat currently produces 2.5 lakh cars annually. That will be tripled with 7.5 lakh cars annually, he says.

Toshiba, Suzuki Denso will jointly set up a factory to make automobile batteries for electric vehicles in Gujarat, Mr. Abe announces.

Japan is funding construction of international cooperation and convention centre in Varanasi, says Mr. Abe.

Joint press conference

3:50 p.m.: "Very serious negotiations" on with Japan regarding US2 amphibian aircraft says Foreign Secretary Jaishankar.

1:55 p.m.: This year marks Japan India will highlight 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 1000 Japanese teachers will emerge in India, Mr. Abe says.

"Japan will assist northeastern states," he says adding that his country is committed to Make in India. Kawasaki Heavy Industries will work on Make in India, Mr. Abe says.

1:50 p.m.: "I am delighted to be in home of Mr. Modi and Mahatma Gandhi," says Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This is 10th meet with Mr. Modi, he recalls.

India and Japan will show firm move on North Korea. We will force North Korea to move back, he says.

1:45 p.m.: Japan is third largest investor in India now. Number of Japanese living in India will increase, says Mr. Modi. "Ask for more Japanese restaurant here. Japanese restaurants will be hugely profitable in Ahmedabad and India," he says.

1:40 p.m.: "High speed rail is a very big step. It's a new lifeline for new India" says Prime Minister Modi. "India Japan ties of global importance not just for regional importance. Thank Japan for ratifying n-deal with Japan," he goes on to say.

1:30 p.m.: Joint press conference of both PMs begins in Gandhinagar. India Japan Joint Statement are signed by both PMs. This includes, Ahmedabad Mumbai Bullet train project and convention centre agreement in Varanasi. A Japanese language training in India agreement is also signed.

Mahatma Mandir

12.20 p.m.: The PMs visit Mahatma Mandir. Mr. Modi tours his counterpart to the museum, takes him to the convention centre where Mahatma Gandhi's life is depicted, take a seat in a train at the museum, shows him the Kathiawar region map, explains the significance of the sculptures.

PM Narendra Modi talks about the exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi with Japan PM Shinzo Abe at Mahatma Mandir convention centre in Gandhinagar. | Photo Credit: Mahesh Langa

11.55 a.m.: The two Prime Ministers visit Dandi Kutir. Mr. Modi talks about the freedom movement to Mr. Abe, in front of the Quit India Movement sculpture.

Bullet train event

Narendra Modi speaks:

11.00 a.m.: Bullet train is a symbol of New India and the country must focus on creating high speed connectivity infrastructure as the transport is the future.

10.55 a.m.: Direct and indirect employment will be generated by bullet train project.

106 new waterways to be developed. 3 crore citizens added to the list of new flyers.

10.50 a.m.: Technology is for the entire country. Only when a common man can use it, they'll benefit from it. Railways will benefit from technology transfer, technicians, manufacturers and the entire railway network will get better returns.

The two Prime Ministers at the ground breaking ceremony of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High speed Rail Project. | Photo Credit: PIB

10.45 a.m.: We've got a friend like Japan, and now, high speed corridors will bring in next generation growth. Bullet train technology is from Japan but most of the resources will be from India.

10.40 a.m.: Technology has become a part of our lives. Technology will help the poor and not just the rich. Technology should help average citizen.

More productivity can be achieved with high-speed connectivity.

10.32 a.m.: Today, we take a step forward to fulfil India's dream. From bullet trains project, we'll move towards faster growth, faster development and high speed technology.

Bullet train will take 2-3 hours to reach Mumbai from Ahmedabad.

10.30 a.m.: Mr. Modi and Mr. Abe lay foundation stone for India’s first bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Shinzo Abe speaks:

10.29 a.m.: I hope to enjoy the beauty of India through the windows of the bullet train when I come to India in a few years.

10.28 a.m.: I would like to state that India-Japan partnership is special, strategic and global.

10.21 a.m.: Japan is committed to support Make in India. Our industries are working with India to give a boost to manufacturing in India.

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