Tokyo, Sep 1 (IANS): India and Japan Monday decided to strengthen cooperation for improving connectivity and socio-economic development in northeastern states of India.

According to an Indian government release issued after summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, both sides welcomed the study by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on "regional connectivity between northeast India and the neighbouring countries".

Both sides also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Export-Import Bank of India and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for enhancing collaboration in infrastructure development between India and neighboring countries and promoting cross-border business activities.

The two sides also decided to strengthen cooperation for improving connectivity and socio-economic development in northeast India, the statement said.

"The Japanese side announced a survey by JICA to identify possible cooperation including road connectivity projects in northeast states of India," the release said.

It said that India appreciated assistance by Japan to the northeastern states including a number of projects in the field of forest resource management and those currently under feasibility studies such as a potential yen loan project for improving water supply in Imphal.