Chapter: 44; Meeting of Animesh with the Minister of Japan
The meeting between the Prime Minister Animesh and Japan's Minister of International Affairs, Hiroshi Tanaka, was scheduled in a private chamber at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 26, 1997, in the late afternoon. The development of India was envisioned pretty clearly by Animesh, and this meeting was vital to acquire funds and expertise from wherever needed to put several projects into top gear.
As both leaders made small talk, Animesh started spelling out his proposals.
Minister Tanaka," Animesh said with a warm smile, "it is an honor to host you here today. India and Japan have enjoyed a long history of friendship, and I believe we are at the threshold of a new era of cooperation. Education, innovation, and development are things dear to both our nations. And I do have a proposal that I feel will strengthen our bond and bring long-lasting benefits to both countries.
Tanaka nodded, his interest piqued. "Prime Minister Animesh, Japan very much values the relations between it and India. We really see a huge potential in supporting the growth of your nation. Please, do go on."
Animesh leaned forward; the passion was in his voice. "Education is the backbone of any progressing nation. Although we have been doing well, primary and secondary educations are yet a challenge we face. The majority of rural areas lack proper schools, trained teachers, and even basic learning facilities.
I request permission to present the following, with the vast experience of Japan in educational reforms and modernization of technological advancement of infrastructural development: " He then handed the file to them.
1. Establishment of 50,000 Modern Primary Schools and 10,000 Secondary Schools: Equipped with technological labs, libraries, and sports.
2. Training of Indian Teachers in Japan: Send a delegation of 10,000 every year for specialized training in most modern teaching techniques in Japan.
3. Introduction of Japanese Teaching Technology: Smart boards, AI-driven teaching tools, and e-learning platforms to be implemented across schools.
4. For the development of Green Energy
We are setting aside US$30 billion of the proposed funds for this initiative and would invite Japanese companies such as Hitachi, Panasonic, and others to provide technology and infrastructure support."
Minister Tanaka's eyes lit up. "Prime Minister, Japan is very keen on education. Your vision is just like ours. We will be delighted to collaborate. I will ensure our Ministry of Education and our leading companies engage with your team right away."
"Growth of India is all about connectivity," Animesh furthered. "All our villages and towns have to be connected with markets, health centers, and education centers. For this, we propose a massive infrastructure revamp with:
1. Laying of 200,000 km of New Roads: To ensure that every village with more than 200 inhabitants is connected with the main road network.
2. Rehabilitating Degraded Bridges and Highways: Replacing those degraded infrastructures with modern, resilient designs.
3. Green Infrastructure: Eco-friendly designs for roads and buildings contribute towards reduced carbon emissions.
For that, we intend to utilize US$50 billion of the fund, for which valuable expertise in construction and project management will be extended by Japanese companies like Kajima Corporation and Taisei Corporation."
Tanaka nodded pensively. "Prime Minister, the firms of Japan have enormous experience in such projects. Be assured that your vision will be implemented to the letter with utmost precision and efficiency."
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Access to clean water and proper drainage systems is very crucial for improvement in health and productivity amongst the masses, identified Minister Tanaka, pointed out Animesh. "India is still battling challenges both in rural and urban areas. To this end, I propose:
1. Building 1 Million New Wells: For rural areas facing water shortages.
2. Urban Drainage Overhaul: Modern drainage systems in 500 cities and towns, in order to avoid flooding and diseases.
3. Sewage Treatment Plants: Construct 2,000 new plants for efficient treatment of wastewater.
We would like to request $20 billion for this and would further like to work with Japanese companies like Toshiba Water Solutions and Mitsubishi Corporation."
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Tanaka smiled. "Prime Minister, clean water and proper drainage are two areas where Japan can contribute meaningfully. We will also send experts to assist these projects."
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Having outlined the proposals, Animesh turned to the financial aspect of the collaboration.
"Minister Tanaka," he said with diplomacy, "I understand these are ambitious projects, but they are necessary for India's future. We seek Japan's support in financing these initiatives through a $100 billion loan to be disbursed over three years.
We request that interest rates be within the bracket of 0.5 percent in order not to put undue stress on India, given Japan has granted easy terms to developing nations. Japanese companies would get access to projects and preferential partnership for newer developments."
Tanaka leaned back, visibly impressed. "Prime Minister Animesh, I must say, your vision for the growth of India leaves one inspired. Japan is always committed to the development and sustainable growth of such countries. I will, on a personal note, recommend the sanction of the loan on the terms you have so elaborated. Further, we will see Japanese companies enthusiastic about participating in such projects, with their expertise and technology, to be brought into India.
"As a strategic partner, Japan gets not only funds but also expertise. It, in turn gains substantially from the partnership with India. Following are the points showing what Japan stands to gain: ".
Animesh handed over the file to the Japanese minister.
1. Preferential Market Access
The contracts for infrastructure, education, and water management would be given on a preferential basis to Japanese firms, with assurance of a long-term revenue stream and an opportunity to expand their businesses in one of the fastest-growing large economies. This would include companies such as Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Panasonic, and Kajima Corporation, among others.
Less Competition: The Indian government will ensure there is less red tape and quick clearances so that Japanese companies are ahead of competitors from other countries.
2. Greenfield City Investment Opportunities
Greenfield Cities: The new city development in India will create exclusive opportunities for Japanese companies for investment in various sectors including urban planning, public transport, technology parks, and renewable energy.
Tax Benefits: Japanese companies creating jobs and thereby contributing toward the revenue of India would have reduced taxes that would financially be lucrative.
3. Deepening Economic and Strategic Relations
Deeper Economic Ties: In investing in the growth of India, Japan is creating for itself a stable trading partner for decades hence. This especially would make the bilateral trade in technology, electronics, and automobiles strong.
Strategic Partnership: The rising influence of India in Asia serves the goal of Japan to counterbalance other regional powers. A geopolitically strong India is good for Japan.
4. Access to India's Growing Consumer Market
Market Share Expansion: Japanese companies will benefit from the growing consumer market in India in sectors such as cars, electrical goods, and industrial machinery, among others, on account of the rise in income and urbanization.
Collaborative Ventures: Joint ventures in education technology, smart city development, and water purification systems would place Japan in a strategic position within those priority sectors so vital for the development of India.
5. Cultural and Technological Exchange
Teacher Training and Knowledge Dissemination: Hosting Indian teachers and experts in Japan for training and exposure will help in goodwill engagement by portraying Japan as a global leader in education and technology.
Technological Advancements: Joint development projects will let Japan test and deploy on a large scale innovative solutions, such as AI-driven education tools and eco-friendly infrastructure designs.
6. Assured Loan Repayment and Low Risk
Stable Returns: An interest rate of 0.1% to 0.5% assures Japan of a stable, low-risk investment in growth in the Indian economy. A clearly chalked-out plan for repayment by India and governance on Animesh guarantee credibility and confidence about these loans.
Economic Growth in Partner Country: A rapidly growing India translates into greater regional prosperity and amplifies Japan's clout in trade and politics.
7. Strategic Counterbalance in Asia
Smoothening Alliances: Assisting in India's development balances the power of other regional giants and is, thus, beneficial to Japan. A strong and prosperous India aligns with the geopolitical interests of Japan.
8. Future Collaborations
Defense Partnerships: Since India is strengthening its military, it is likely that Japan will invest in joint ventures in advanced technology for defense-related products as another lucrative avenue.
Sustainability Projects: India is keen on green infrastructure and renewable energy; therefore, in the future, Japan will lead projects that can continue to keep collaboration going alongside economic benefits.
Conclusion: For an alliance with India, under the leadership of Animesh, Japan gets economic returns and secures its position as a key ally in the transformation of India. The fact is, through collaboration, a win-win situation is achieved wherein Japan economically, technologically, and strategically benefits while helping India achieve its developmental goals.
Having read the file carefully, ministers of Japan were also serious; they also knew that actually, it meant a huge opportunity for the Japanese because such suppression from the American government imposed a tariff on them and many other restrictions. Because of it, their GDP became stagnant and improved like a snail.
After some time and thinking, Minister Tanaka adjusted his glass and seriously said.
"Mr. Animesh, as a minister of Japan, we hope to have a corporation with a vast country like India. And I hope that our corporation will be successful."
After that, the meeting was adjourned.
Many Indian ministers along with Animesh heaved a sigh of relief because they know this is most crucial for India - for the first step to Independence.
[My apologies for the little bit late update, my internet connection was not good due to over uses of data more than 100 gb. And the webnovel was unable to process the data, now finally the internet came back.]
[Hey, there is something in the comments section, chack it out and say your opinion.]