New Delhi: Within 48 hours of the inaugural 2+2 dialogue with India, Japan's Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu has called for New Delhi's presence in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a mega trade deal from which India opted out last month citing that its issues were not addressed.
Addressing a gathering at the first Tokyo dialogue, the Japanese Foreign Minister said that his country is making all diplomatic efforts to realize the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with the participation of all 16 countries, including India.
Elaborating his point further, he confirmed India's stand that it is still not part of the RCEP.
Though he added saying, "what is driving our efforts is Japan’s firm conviction that the framework of the RCEP can truly boost the region’s economic potential only with the participation of India" which is the "world’s most populous democratic country and a major strategic player connecting the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean."
India had withdrawn from the mega trade deal during the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership meet in Thailand in November last month claiming that the outcome of RCEP deal is not balanced and does not provide adequate protection against import surge.
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