WION World Order: Centre Stage Osaka- Spotlight G20

PM Modi today addressed the Indian diaspora in Kobe, Japan ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-pm-modi-to-meet-trump-and-attend-two-trilateral-meetings-on-friday-230703">the G20 summit in Osaka</a>.

The Indian prime minister expressed his happiness over coming to Japan after seven months&nbsp;as he told the crowd that PM Shinzo Abe is a "good friend". "I am humbled by your support," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-to-discuss-progress-in-tackling-terrorism-climate-change-pm-modi-230700">Indian prime minister said</a>.

"I'm fortunate to be here once again after seven&nbsp;months. It's a coincidence that last time I was here, election results were held&nbsp;here and you had shown trust in my dear friend Shinzo Abe. Today when I'm here and the largest democracy has shown even greater trust in this 'Pradhan Sevak'."

"I stand before you as PM with a greater mandate, India has reposed its faith in me," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> live from Japan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a community event at the Hyogo Prefecture Guest House in Kobe. <a href="https://t.co/j74qRF8v5F">https://t.co/j74qRF8v5F</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1144191507382951938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"130 core people have formed a "mazboot sarkar"(strong government)," the prime minister asserted.

"It is a victory of truth and democracy," PM Modi said, adding, "dedication to democratic values led to victory."

"The nation gave pro-incumbency mandate after 1971," he told the Indian diaspora.&nbsp;"This is big. After three decades, for the first time, a government with a clear majority formed a government for the second time in a row."

"Sabka saath, sabka vikas is our mantra," the PM said. "Indian democracy inspires others in the world."

"Japan helping India to become $5 trillion economy," the Indian prime minister said. "From making a car, India and Japan are now cooperating to make bullet trains," he said.

PM Modi told the crowd that he would work towards ensuring global trust on India.

"Besides Delhi and Ahmedabad, I had the opportunity to take PM Abe to Varanasi. He visited my parliamentary constituency and participated in the Ganga aarti there. Whenever he got the opportunity, he spoke of this divine experience."

"After I became PM in 2014, I got an opportunity to strengthen India-Japan friendship, together with my friend PM Shinzo Abe. We took our diplomatic relations beyond the purview of capitals and ambassadors and took them directly among the public," he said.

"India, Japan ties will&nbsp;become stronger in 'New India',"&nbsp;PM Modi told the Indian community in Kobe.

"We managed Cyclone Fani with minimum damage and the world praised that government machinery, human resource and space technology can be used to perform well," he said.

"Also, we'll launch Chandrayaan-2 in a few months and by 2022 we're planning to launch India's maiden human spaceflight program-Gaganyaan," he informed the Indian community gathered at the Hyogo Prefecture guest house in Kobe.

PM Modi today addressed the Indian diaspora in Kobe, Japan ahead of the G20 summit in Osaka. The Indian prime minister expressed his happiness over coming to Japan after seven months as he told the crowd that PM Shinzo Abe is a "good friend".

PM Modi today addressed the Indian diaspora in Kobe, Japan ahead of the G20 summit in Osaka. The Indian prime minister expressed his happiness over coming to Japan after seven months as he told the crowd that PM Shinzo Abe is a "good friend". "I am humbled by your support," the Indian prime minister said. "I'm fortunate to be here once again after seven months. It's a coincidence that last time I was here, election results were held here and you had shown trust in my dear friend Shinzo Abe. Today when I'm here and the largest democracy has shown even greater trust in this 'Pradhan Sevak'." "I stand before you as PM with a greater mandate, India has reposed its faith in me," he said. #WATCH live from Japan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a community event at the Hyogo Prefecture Guest House in Kobe. https://t.co/j74qRF8v5F — ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2019 × "130 core people have formed a "mazboot sarkar"(strong government)," the prime minister asserted. "It is a victory of truth and democracy," PM Modi said, adding, "dedication to democratic values led to victory." "The nation gave pro-incumbency mandate after 1971," he told the Indian diaspora. "This is big. After three decades, for the first time, a government with a clear majority formed a government for the second time in a row." "Sabka saath, sabka vikas is our mantra," the PM said. "Indian democracy inspires others in the world." "Japan helping India to become $5 trillion economy," the Indian prime minister said. "From making a car, India and Japan are now cooperating to make bullet trains," he said. PM Modi told the crowd that he would work towards ensuring global trust on India. "Besides Delhi and Ahmedabad, I had the opportunity to take PM Abe to Varanasi. He visited my parliamentary constituency and participated in the Ganga aarti there. Whenever he got the opportunity, he spoke of this divine experience." "After I became PM in 2014, I got an opportunity to strengthen India-Japan friendship, together with my friend PM Shinzo Abe. We took our diplomatic relations beyond the purview of capitals and ambassadors and took them directly among the public," he said. "India, Japan ties will become stronger in 'New India'," PM Modi told the Indian community in Kobe. "We managed Cyclone Fani with minimum damage and the world praised that government machinery, human resource and space technology can be used to perform well," he said. "Also, we'll launch Chandrayaan-2 in a few months and by 2022 we're planning to launch India's maiden human spaceflight program-Gaganyaan," he informed the Indian community gathered at the Hyogo Prefecture guest house in Kobe.

Japan helping India to become $5 trillion economy: PM Modi to Indian diaspora

US President Donald Trump today said India's imposition of retaliatory tariffs was "unacceptable" and must be withdrawn. In a tweet this morning, he said he was looking forward to discussing the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders have a bilateral summit scheduled tomorrow on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan's Osaka.

'Tariffs must be withdrawn': Trump's message to PM Modi before G20 meeting

WION correpsondent Siddhant Sibal reports on the key takeaways from the bilateral meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Japan PM Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.

Here are the key takeaways from PM Modi-Shinzo Abe meeting in Osaka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and discussed several matters of mutual interest. This is the first meeting between the two leaders since the beginning of Japan’s Reiwa era.

PM Modi, Japan PM discuss global trade and climate change ahead of G20 Summit

New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money. "We are keen that the economic offenders and those who are the perpetrators of economic crime, holders of black money should be brought to book. Those are running away from India should be brought back and no country should provide them shelter," India's sherpa or the chief negotiator for G20, Suresh Prabhu, told WION.

PM Modi to highlight economic offenders, counter-terrorism issues at G20 summit in Japan

Indian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-leave-for-g20-summit-today-first-bilateral-meeting-with-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-230584">PM Modi's first bilateral</a> on the sidelines of G20 Summit will be with Japanese Prime minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday in Osaka. Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Kumar Verma spoke to WION on what to expect from the meet and India's role at the G20 grouping.

WION: What can be expected from PM Modi's bilateral with the Japanese PM?

Sanjay Kumar Verma: Today India-Japan relationship is at historical best and if you look at the chemistry between any two leaders, there could not be anything better than what PM Modi and Japan PM Shinzo Abe have. If we look at the Japanese contribution, in foreign policy goals, then each and every element we look at both countries are complementary to each other. This plays a huge role in taking the relationship forward, from economy to skill development to smart city and digital, anything you look at it compliments.

WION: And Japanese PM will be visiting India this year for the annual summit?

Sanjay Kumar Verma: Yes, last year PM Modi was in Japan for the summit, so this year, its turn of PM Abe to go to India.

WION: Both are now working on the third country projects, like in Sri Lanka?

Sanjay Kumar Verma: Yes, the third country projects are extremely important between the two countries and that was agreed upon by the two prime ministers in the last meeting which took place in Tokyo last year.&nbsp;

That has been taken forward. It plugs very well with India's Act East policy and Japan's own policy of engaging India for third country projects. So Japan is engaged in India for projects, for example, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway, dedicated freight corridor, metro projects in large infrastructure projects and now we want to go to other countries and it will start in the vicinity of India.

WION: You also spoke about the personal chemistry, we saw the Japan PM hosting PM Modi at his residence.

Sanjay Kumar Verma: You know getting a leader from another country to Japanese PM's own residence was a first. Therefore that tells you a lot about what is the personal chemistry between PM Modi and Japanese PM Abe and how much trust exists between them, they are more like friends. They very close, very frank and have very open discussions and they are very helpful towards each other.

WION: How is India playing a leadership role at G20?

Sanjay Kumar Verma: India has been playing a very key role at the G20 outcomes, from digital partnership to climate change to financial architecture and counter-terrorism. Also in trade multilateralism, India is a key player globally. India has been able to shape global opinions and has led the way in out-of-box thinking.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi's first bilateral on the sidelines of G20 Summit will be with Japanese Prime minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday in Osaka. Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Kumar Verma spoke to WION on what to expect from the meet and India's role at the G20 grouping.

Indian PM Modi's first bilateral on the sidelines of G20 Summit will be with Japanese Prime minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday in Osaka. Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Kumar Verma spoke to WION on what to expect from the meet and India's role at the G20 grouping. WION: What can be expected from PM Modi's bilateral with the Japanese PM? Sanjay Kumar Verma: Today India-Japan relationship is at historical best and if you look at the chemistry between any two leaders, there could not be anything better than what PM Modi and Japan PM Shinzo Abe have. If we look at the Japanese contribution, in foreign policy goals, then each and every element we look at both countries are complementary to each other. This plays a huge role in taking the relationship forward, from economy to skill development to smart city and digital, anything you look at it compliments. WION: And Japanese PM will be visiting India this year for the annual summit? Sanjay Kumar Verma: Yes, last year PM Modi was in Japan for the summit, so this year, its turn of PM Abe to go to India. WION: Both are now working on the third country projects, like in Sri Lanka? Sanjay Kumar Verma: Yes, the third country projects are extremely important between the two countries and that was agreed upon by the two prime ministers in the last meeting which took place in Tokyo last year. That has been taken forward. It plugs very well with India's Act East policy and Japan's own policy of engaging India for third country projects. So Japan is engaged in India for projects, for example, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway, dedicated freight corridor, metro projects in large infrastructure projects and now we want to go to other countries and it will start in the vicinity of India. WION: You also spoke about the personal chemistry, we saw the Japan PM hosting PM Modi at his residence. Sanjay Kumar Verma: You know getting a leader from another country to Japanese PM's own residence was a first. Therefore that tells you a lot about what is the personal chemistry between PM Modi and Japanese PM Abe and how much trust exists between them, they are more like friends. They very close, very frank and have very open discussions and they are very helpful towards each other. WION: How is India playing a leadership role at G20? Sanjay Kumar Verma: India has been playing a very key role at the G20 outcomes, from digital partnership to climate change to financial architecture and counter-terrorism. Also in trade multilateralism, India is a key player globally. India has been able to shape global opinions and has led the way in out-of-box thinking.

New Delhi, Tokyo will be working on third country projects in India's vicinity, says Indian envoy to Japan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-stocks-fail-to-catch-wall-streets-fed-rally-as-trade-angst-persists-229074">Asian equities</a> were mixed Tuesday as investors sat on their hands days before this week's crucial meeting between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-documents-show-red-flags-of-donald-trump-officials-230036">Donald Trump</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-xi-jinping-agree-to-grow-ties-whatever-external-situation-report-229384">Xi Jinping</a>, while gold hit a fresh six-year high on a weaker dollar and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gulf-crisis-navy-launches-operation-operation-sankalp-to-reassure-indian-vessels-amid-us-iran-row-229020">US-Iran crisis</a>.

While the stand-off between Washington and Tehran is fuelling concerns of a conflict between the old foes, the main focus for investors is the tete-a-tete between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies in Osaka.

World markets have rallied since the US president last week flagged positive phone talks with Xi and said they would discuss their trade spat on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

On Tuesday Chinese state media said top-level negotiators for both sides had held discussions ahead of the meeting, and "exchanged opinions on economic and trade issues". The call took place "at the request of the US side" and they agreed to maintain contact, the Xinhua news agency said.

"The G20 will not get going until midweek, but the anticipation of a meeting between the leaders of China and the US is keeping markets guessing," said OANDA senior market analyst Alfonso Esparza.

"The prolonged trade war between the two largest economies has downgraded global growth as more barriers to trade means higher prices. Optimism remains high, but more details need to emerge before the market can fully price in how far apart the two sides really are from a deal."

In early trade Hong Kong and Shanghai each dropped 0.7 per cent after a recent healthy run-up, while Tokyo finished the morning 0.2 per cent lower. Taipei was also down.

However, Sydney and Singapore were both 0.1 per cent higher while Seoul and Wellington added 0.2 per cent apiece. Manila and Jakarta were also up.

Bitcoin holds gains

It is "a pretty good guess that we won’t see a whole lot of movement in front of the big upcoming meetings (G20 and OPEC)," Matt Maley, equity strategist at Miller Tabak &amp; Co, said. "The results of those meetings should be quite important to the stock market’s next move."

Gold prices continue to rise -- sitting at highs not seen since September 2013 -- as investors seek out the safe haven to hedge against a possible US-Iran conflagration, while the softening dollar is also providing support.

The White House ramped up sanctions on Tehran, imposing strict measures against supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military top brass following the downing of a US drone.

The move raised tensions between the two, though NAB's Tapas Strickland said the measures "appear to be more gloss than substance given US sanctions are already very harsh".

Oil prices were unable to sustain the surge started last week by the drone incident, with both main contracts dipping Tuesday.

Iran and the US have said they do not want a war, with the US content with trying to cripple Iran economically.

Oil traders are also keenly awaiting a meeting of OPEC and other major producers this weekend, hoping for clarity on their output reduction programme, which has supported prices.

The greenback was down against most other currencies, weighed by expectations the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates as soon as July, while bitcoin held above $11,000 after breaking the marker for the first time in 16 months.

Asian equities were mixed Tuesday as investors sat on their hands days before this week's crucial meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, while gold hit a fresh six-year high on a weaker dollar and the US-Iran crisis.

Asian equities were mixed Tuesday as investors sat on their hands days before this week's crucial meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, while gold hit a fresh six-year high on a weaker dollar and the US-Iran crisis. While the stand-off between Washington and Tehran is fuelling concerns of a conflict between the old foes, the main focus for investors is the tete-a-tete between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies in Osaka. World markets have rallied since the US president last week flagged positive phone talks with Xi and said they would discuss their trade spat on the sidelines of the G20 summit. On Tuesday Chinese state media said top-level negotiators for both sides had held discussions ahead of the meeting, and "exchanged opinions on economic and trade issues". The call took place "at the request of the US side" and they agreed to maintain contact, the Xinhua news agency said. "The G20 will not get going until midweek, but the anticipation of a meeting between the leaders of China and the US is keeping markets guessing," said OANDA senior market analyst Alfonso Esparza. "The prolonged trade war between the two largest economies has downgraded global growth as more barriers to trade means higher prices. Optimism remains high, but more details need to emerge before the market can fully price in how far apart the two sides really are from a deal." In early trade Hong Kong and Shanghai each dropped 0.7 per cent after a recent healthy run-up, while Tokyo finished the morning 0.2 per cent lower. Taipei was also down. However, Sydney and Singapore were both 0.1 per cent higher while Seoul and Wellington added 0.2 per cent apiece. Manila and Jakarta were also up. Bitcoin holds gains It is "a pretty good guess that we won’t see a whole lot of movement in front of the big upcoming meetings (G20 and OPEC)," Matt Maley, equity strategist at Miller Tabak & Co, said. "The results of those meetings should be quite important to the stock market’s next move." Gold prices continue to rise -- sitting at highs not seen since September 2013 -- as investors seek out the safe haven to hedge against a possible US-Iran conflagration, while the softening dollar is also providing support. The White House ramped up sanctions on Tehran, imposing strict measures against supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military top brass following the downing of a US drone. The move raised tensions between the two, though NAB's Tapas Strickland said the measures "appear to be more gloss than substance given US sanctions are already very harsh". Oil prices were unable to sustain the surge started last week by the drone incident, with both main contracts dipping Tuesday. Iran and the US have said they do not want a war, with the US content with trying to cripple Iran economically. Oil traders are also keenly awaiting a meeting of OPEC and other major producers this weekend, hoping for clarity on their output reduction programme, which has supported prices. The greenback was down against most other currencies, weighed by expectations the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates as soon as July, while bitcoin held above $11,000 after breaking the marker for the first time in 16 months.

Stocks mixed ahead of G20, Iran and weak dollar lift gold

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit. He will be arriving in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-has-become-a-vital-forum-to-address-the-most-pressing-issues-brazil-ambassador-to-india-andre-aranha-correa-do-lago-230443">Osaka on 27th and on 28th and 29th</a>&nbsp;the Indian prime minister will take part in the G20 summit, his sixth since 2014 and first in his second term.

PM Modi's first bilateral on day one will be with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Japanese PM was the first foreign leader to congratulate PM Modi on phone on his re-election on May 23rd.

The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India later this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan.

Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining the New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement.&nbsp;

PM Modi will be taking part in more than ten bilaterals and pull-asides at the summit. He will be meeting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron &nbsp;He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just two weeks ago.

The important trilaterals will also happen, the JAI meet - Japan, America, India grouping and RIC meet - Russia, India and China trilaterals. Besides this, a permanent fixture has been informal the BRICS Summit.

The informal meet between Modi-Xi during the informal BRICS summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major ice-breaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis.

New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money. Other than this climate change, counter-terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other focus for India.&nbsp;

The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between World's number 1 and number 2 economies - US and China and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body - world trade organization(WTO).

The annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse.

The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese Presidency is "human centred future society” and focus will be on a range of issues from Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence to Inclusive and Sustainable World and pressing issues like Energy and Environment, Global Health, Climate change and Marine plastic waste.&nbsp;

G20 emerged in the backdrop of Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of developing and developed countries.&nbsp;

After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape in its present forum and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit.

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit. He will be arriving in Osaka on 27th and on 28th and 29th the Indian prime minister will take part in the G20 summit, his sixth since 2014 and first in his second term. PM Modi's first bilateral on day one will be with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Japanese PM was the first foreign leader to congratulate PM Modi on phone on his re-election on May 23rd. The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India later this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan. Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining the New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement. PM Modi will be taking part in more than ten bilaterals and pull-asides at the summit. He will be meeting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just two weeks ago. The important trilaterals will also happen, the JAI meet - Japan, America, India grouping and RIC meet - Russia, India and China trilaterals. Besides this, a permanent fixture has been informal the BRICS Summit. The informal meet between Modi-Xi during the informal BRICS summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major ice-breaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis. New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money. Other than this climate change, counter-terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other focus for India. The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between World's number 1 and number 2 economies - US and China and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body - world trade organization(WTO). The annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse. The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese Presidency is "human centred future society” and focus will be on a range of issues from Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence to Inclusive and Sustainable World and pressing issues like Energy and Environment, Global Health, Climate change and Marine plastic waste. G20 emerged in the backdrop of Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of developing and developed countries. After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape in its present forum and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi to leave for G20 Summit today; first bilateral meeting with Japan PM Shinzo Abe

PM Modi will be in Japan later this week for 2 days - June 28 and 29 - to participate at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-should-find-solutions-to-global-challenges-german-ambassador-230040">14th G20 Summit in Osaka</a>. This will be the 6th G20 he will be participating in since 2014 and the first one of his second term. PM Modi has earlier participated at the summit held in Brisbane (2014), Antalya (2015), Hangzhou (2016), Hamburg (2017) and Buenos Aires (2018).

PM will be taking part in nearly 10 bilaterals and pull-asides during the summit.

He will be meeting Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. This will be PM's first meet with Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump in his second term. He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-refuses-to-endorse-chinas-bri-at-sco-says-connectivity-projects-must-respect-territorial-integrity-227208">the Shanghai Cooperation Organization</a> (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just 2 weeks ago.

During last year's summit in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, PM Modi met these leaders under the JAI- Japan, America, India grouping; RIC-Russia, India and China tri-laterals and during the BRICS Summit. Remember, the informal meeting between Modi and Xi during the informal BRICS Summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major icebreaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis that year.

New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money this year at the summit.&nbsp;

"We are keen that the economic offenders and those who are the perpetrators of economic crime, holders of black money should be brought to book. Those are running away from India should be brought back and no country should provide them shelter," India's sherpa or the chief negotiator for G20 Suresh Prabhu told WION.

Other than this, climate change, countering terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other areas of focus for India. The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between the world's biggest economies - US and China - and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

"India is of the strong view that global trade should be free from any restrictions. Multilateralism should prevail, it should happen under WTO. Reforming WTO is necessary but it should happen in a way that all the countries in the world should have the right to decide. WTO should be a forum for growth, equity and inclusiveness," Prabhu explained.

But the annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse.

The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese presidency is "Human-centred future society” and the focus will be on a range of issues from digital economy and artificial intelligence to inclusive and sustainable world and pressing issues like energy and environment, global health, climate change and marine plastic waste.&nbsp;

The G20 emerged in the backdrop of the Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of finance ministers and central bank governors of developing and developed countries.&nbsp;

After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape into its present form and has summits across the world.&nbsp;

G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi will be in Japan later this week for 2 days - June 28 and 29 - to participate at the 14th G20 Summit in Osaka. This will be the 6th G20 he will be participating in since 2014 and the first one of his second term.

PM Modi will be in Japan later this week for 2 days - June 28 and 29 - to participate at the 14th G20 Summit in Osaka. This will be the 6th G20 he will be participating in since 2014 and the first one of his second term. PM Modi has earlier participated at the summit held in Brisbane (2014), Antalya (2015), Hangzhou (2016), Hamburg (2017) and Buenos Aires (2018). PM will be taking part in nearly 10 bilaterals and pull-asides during the summit. He will be meeting Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. This will be PM's first meet with Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump in his second term. He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just 2 weeks ago. During last year's summit in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, PM Modi met these leaders under the JAI- Japan, America, India grouping; RIC-Russia, India and China tri-laterals and during the BRICS Summit. Remember, the informal meeting between Modi and Xi during the informal BRICS Summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major icebreaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis that year. New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money this year at the summit. "We are keen that the economic offenders and those who are the perpetrators of economic crime, holders of black money should be brought to book. Those are running away from India should be brought back and no country should provide them shelter," India's sherpa or the chief negotiator for G20 Suresh Prabhu told WION. Other than this, climate change, countering terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other areas of focus for India. The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between the world's biggest economies - US and China - and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body the World Trade Organisation (WTO). "India is of the strong view that global trade should be free from any restrictions. Multilateralism should prevail, it should happen under WTO. Reforming WTO is necessary but it should happen in a way that all the countries in the world should have the right to decide. WTO should be a forum for growth, equity and inclusiveness," Prabhu explained. But the annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse. The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese presidency is "Human-centred future society” and the focus will be on a range of issues from digital economy and artificial intelligence to inclusive and sustainable world and pressing issues like energy and environment, global health, climate change and marine plastic waste. The G20 emerged in the backdrop of the Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of finance ministers and central bank governors of developing and developed countries. After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape into its present form and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.

With focus on economic offenders and countering terror, PM Modi to participate in 14th G20 Summit in Japan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a two-day, 14th G20 Summit in Osaka in Japan from June 28, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. "For the sixth time, Modi will be participating in the G20 Summit. Apart from participating in the summit, PM will also have bilateral meetings. He will also participate in a few plurilateral meetings," Raveesh Kumar, MEA`s spokesperson said.

India Watch: PM Modi to hold 10 bilaterals at G20

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have decided to meet, in the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka. Watch this video to know more.

Trump-Xi to meet at Osaka

Japanese police Monday arrested a man suspected of stabbing a police officer in the chest and stealing his gun near Osaka, just days before world leaders fly into the city for a G20 summit.

The 33-year-old suspect, who denies the charges, was in possession of an ID document showing he was mentally disabled, an Osaka regional police detective told AFP.

The police officer, 22, is still in a coma, the detective added. His gun was found later with one bullet missing.

The incident, a rare case of violent crime in Japan, hit national headlines due to the proximity of the attack to the G20, which will be held in the western city on June 28 and 29.

"We have not yet studied what impact this will have on the G20 security plan," Takahisa Ishida, chief of the Osaka police, told local media.

US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be among the leaders jetting in for the summit, with tens of thousands of aides in tow.&nbsp;

More than 25,000 police officers will reportedly be mobilised to provide security in Osaka during the summit meetings.

"We will do our best on security measures ahead of the G20 next week," top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters Monday when asked about the incident.

A recent meeting of G20 finance ministers in the western city of Fukuoka was held under extremely high security, with areas around the meeting in total lockdown.

Japanese police Monday arrested a man suspected of stabbing a police officer in the chest and stealing his gun near Osaka, just days before world leaders fly into the city for a G20 summit.

Japanese police Monday arrested a man suspected of stabbing a police officer in the chest and stealing his gun near Osaka, just days before world leaders fly into the city for a G20 summit. The 33-year-old suspect, who denies the charges, was in possession of an ID document showing he was mentally disabled, an Osaka regional police detective told AFP. The police officer, 22, is still in a coma, the detective added. His gun was found later with one bullet missing. The incident, a rare case of violent crime in Japan, hit national headlines due to the proximity of the attack to the G20, which will be held in the western city on June 28 and 29. "We have not yet studied what impact this will have on the G20 security plan," Takahisa Ishida, chief of the Osaka police, told local media. US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be among the leaders jetting in for the summit, with tens of thousands of aides in tow. More than 25,000 police officers will reportedly be mobilised to provide security in Osaka during the summit meetings. "We will do our best on security measures ahead of the G20 next week," top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters Monday when asked about the incident. A recent meeting of G20 finance ministers in the western city of Fukuoka was held under extremely high security, with areas around the meeting in total lockdown.

Police officer stabbed ahead of G20 summit in Japan

&nbsp;Japan wants to make reducing the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nations-agree-significant-plastic-cuts-by-2030-un-203593"> glut of plastic waste in the oceans</a> a priority at the Group of 20 summits it is hosting this month as governments around the world crack down on such pollution.

Images of plastic debris-strewn beaches and dead animals with stomachs full of plastic have sparked outrage, with many countries, including more than two dozen in Africa, banning plastic bags outright.

The EU has voted to outlaw 10 single-use plastic items, including straws, forks and knives, by 2021. It has also set targets for all plastic packaging, the top source of plastic waste, to be recyclable by 2030.

Such moves are setting up a showdown with the oil industry, which is pouring billions into new facilities to produce more plastic and other petrochemical products, particularly in Asia.

Refiners such as India's Reliance Industries and China's Sinopec are seeking new revenue sources as electric cars become more popular and gasoline and diesel demand slow.

"If the world goes the direction of European targets, some markets can go from high growth to low growth or no growth. Profits could suffer," said Jeff Brown, president of energy consultancy FGE in Singapore.

Tackling plastic pollution has been less of a priority in Asia, which is the world's biggest producer of the material - and its waste.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, which is hosting the G20 summit, says he wants his country to lead the world in reducing marine plastic trash, including developing biodegradables and other innovations.

The June 28-29 meeting in Osaka, assembling 20 major economies, including China, Brazil, France and the United States, won't yield an agreement on targets or concrete steps, two officials involved in preparations told Reuters, speaking anonymously because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

A more likely outcome is for G20 environment ministers, gathering this weekend in the mountain town of Karuizawa, to propose ways to enact a vaguely worded "action plan" on marine plastic waste introduced at the 2017 summit in Germany.

Plastic Galore

Japan, while not a major marine plastic polluter, is the world's No. 2 consumer of plastic packaging per person after the United States.

Vegetables and fruit sold in supermarkets in Japan are commonly wrapped in plastic, sometimes individually. The cultural emphasis on hygiene, careful packaging and offering products in small portions adds to the problem.

Japanese bureaucrats are working on a law that would require retailers to charge customers for plastic bags - something many supermarkets already do.

Japan also plans to make the medal podiums at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics out of recycled plastic in an attempt to stir consumer awareness about the issue.

Activists say that although efforts to recycle and ban single-use items are needed, reducing plastic production is also crucial.

"There's a misconception that we can recycle our way out of this," said Neil Tangri, global plastics policy adviser at the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives in Berkeley, California.

"My fear is that (G20 leaders) will say that plastic production isn't the problem, it's waste management," he added. "We're saying plastic is a problem you need to tackle at the source."

The world produced about 380 million metric tons of plastic in 2015, according to research published in Science Advances journal. The World Bank says humans generated 242 million tons of plastic waste in 2016.

About 55% of plastic waste was discarded in 2015, 25% incinerated and 20% recycled. But since plastic was introduced into the consumer market in the 1950s, only 9% of the cumulative total has been recycled, the Science Advances study shows.

China Ban

Tackling plastic pollution became more of a global priority after China, which had been accepting a hefty chunk of the world's waste, banned imports at the start of 2018.

Boatloads of plastic debris have been diverted to Malaysia and other Southeast Asian nations, overwhelming them. Last month, Malaysia said it would ship 3,000 tons of garbage back to the countries it came from.

Asia is also home to the biggest contributors to the estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic trash that winds up in the ocean each year, according to research published in the journal Science.

The top five marine plastic trash offenders are all in Asia: China and Indonesia - both G-20 members - followed by the Philippines, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, that study shows.

Such litter inflicts $1.3 billion in damage annually to fishing, shipping and tourism industries in the Asia-Pacific.

Most commonly used plastic does not biodegrade. Over time in the ocean and exposed to sunlight, it breaks down into tiny pieces called microplastics that are ingested by sea creatures, raising concerns about chemicals tainting human sources of food.

Plastic was even found last month at the bottom of the Marianas Trench, off the Philippines, the deepest place on Earth.

More Coming

The plastic output seems poised to increase, particularly in Asia.

The region's leading oil companies, including Sinopec, Reliance, Malaysia's Petronas and China's Hengli Petrochemical, are investing billions of dollars into new petrochemical facilities.

They see opportunities in producing household chemicals and materials for electronic goods, piping, packaging and textiles.

Packaging, which includes everything from plastic bags to bubble wrap, accounts for 44% of plastic production, according to industry estimates.

Tightening government policies could crimp that demand - something oil companies say they are monitoring closely.

"If the world keeps introducing bans on plastic bags and straws, our sales would decrease," said an official at a South Korean petrochemical maker, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

"But plastic is still widely used in the industrial sector ... and demand from developing countries is growing," he said. "In the long term, we are looking to develop environment-friendly materials and plastics."

Japan's petrochemical industry wants to cooperate in tackling environmental issues, Takashi Tsukioka, the head of the Petroleum Association of Japan, told a news conference last month. Still, he warned that replacing plastic straws with wooden ones could lead to deforestation.

"We should, in the first place, focus on separating and recycling, which Japan has been doing, and then seek broad solutions, instead of jumping quickly to one approach," he said. "In the end, we should promote innovation."

Japan wants to make reducing the glut of plastic waste in the oceans a priority at the Group of 20 summits it is hosting this month as governments around the world crack down on such pollution.

Japan wants to make reducing the glut of plastic waste in the oceans a priority at the Group of 20 summits it is hosting this month as governments around the world crack down on such pollution. Images of plastic debris-strewn beaches and dead animals with stomachs full of plastic have sparked outrage, with many countries, including more than two dozen in Africa, banning plastic bags outright. The EU has voted to outlaw 10 single-use plastic items, including straws, forks and knives, by 2021. It has also set targets for all plastic packaging, the top source of plastic waste, to be recyclable by 2030. Such moves are setting up a showdown with the oil industry, which is pouring billions into new facilities to produce more plastic and other petrochemical products, particularly in Asia. Refiners such as India's Reliance Industries and China's Sinopec are seeking new revenue sources as electric cars become more popular and gasoline and diesel demand slow. "If the world goes the direction of European targets, some markets can go from high growth to low growth or no growth. Profits could suffer," said Jeff Brown, president of energy consultancy FGE in Singapore. Tackling plastic pollution has been less of a priority in Asia, which is the world's biggest producer of the material - and its waste. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, which is hosting the G20 summit, says he wants his country to lead the world in reducing marine plastic trash, including developing biodegradables and other innovations. The June 28-29 meeting in Osaka, assembling 20 major economies, including China, Brazil, France and the United States, won't yield an agreement on targets or concrete steps, two officials involved in preparations told Reuters, speaking anonymously because they were not authorised to speak to the media. A more likely outcome is for G20 environment ministers, gathering this weekend in the mountain town of Karuizawa, to propose ways to enact a vaguely worded "action plan" on marine plastic waste introduced at the 2017 summit in Germany. Plastic Galore Japan, while not a major marine plastic polluter, is the world's No. 2 consumer of plastic packaging per person after the United States. Vegetables and fruit sold in supermarkets in Japan are commonly wrapped in plastic, sometimes individually. The cultural emphasis on hygiene, careful packaging and offering products in small portions adds to the problem. Japanese bureaucrats are working on a law that would require retailers to charge customers for plastic bags - something many supermarkets already do. Japan also plans to make the medal podiums at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics out of recycled plastic in an attempt to stir consumer awareness about the issue. Activists say that although efforts to recycle and ban single-use items are needed, reducing plastic production is also crucial. "There's a misconception that we can recycle our way out of this," said Neil Tangri, global plastics policy adviser at the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives in Berkeley, California. "My fear is that (G20 leaders) will say that plastic production isn't the problem, it's waste management," he added. "We're saying plastic is a problem you need to tackle at the source." The world produced about 380 million metric tons of plastic in 2015, according to research published in Science Advances journal. The World Bank says humans generated 242 million tons of plastic waste in 2016. About 55% of plastic waste was discarded in 2015, 25% incinerated and 20% recycled. But since plastic was introduced into the consumer market in the 1950s, only 9% of the cumulative total has been recycled, the Science Advances study shows. China Ban Tackling plastic pollution became more of a global priority after China, which had been accepting a hefty chunk of the world's waste, banned imports at the start of 2018. Boatloads of plastic debris have been diverted to Malaysia and other Southeast Asian nations, overwhelming them. Last month, Malaysia said it would ship 3,000 tons of garbage back to the countries it came from. Asia is also home to the biggest contributors to the estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic trash that winds up in the ocean each year, according to research published in the journal Science. The top five marine plastic trash offenders are all in Asia: China and Indonesia - both G-20 members - followed by the Philippines, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, that study shows. Such litter inflicts $1.3 billion in damage annually to fishing, shipping and tourism industries in the Asia-Pacific. Most commonly used plastic does not biodegrade. Over time in the ocean and exposed to sunlight, it breaks down into tiny pieces called microplastics that are ingested by sea creatures, raising concerns about chemicals tainting human sources of food. Plastic was even found last month at the bottom of the Marianas Trench, off the Philippines, the deepest place on Earth. More Coming The plastic output seems poised to increase, particularly in Asia. The region's leading oil companies, including Sinopec, Reliance, Malaysia's Petronas and China's Hengli Petrochemical, are investing billions of dollars into new petrochemical facilities. They see opportunities in producing household chemicals and materials for electronic goods, piping, packaging and textiles. Packaging, which includes everything from plastic bags to bubble wrap, accounts for 44% of plastic production, according to industry estimates. Tightening government policies could crimp that demand - something oil companies say they are monitoring closely. "If the world keeps introducing bans on plastic bags and straws, our sales would decrease," said an official at a South Korean petrochemical maker, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media. "But plastic is still widely used in the industrial sector ... and demand from developing countries is growing," he said. "In the long term, we are looking to develop environment-friendly materials and plastics." Japan's petrochemical industry wants to cooperate in tackling environmental issues, Takashi Tsukioka, the head of the Petroleum Association of Japan, told a news conference last month. Still, he warned that replacing plastic straws with wooden ones could lead to deforestation. "We should, in the first place, focus on separating and recycling, which Japan has been doing, and then seek broad solutions, instead of jumping quickly to one approach," he said. "In the end, we should promote innovation."

G20 to tackle ocean plastic waste as petrochemical producers expand in Asia

Modi-Trump agreed to meet during the G-20 Summit in Japan's Osaka scheduled on June 28-29 to discuss bilateral relations and global matters

Modi to meet Trump on sidelines of G20 Summit

Not so fantastic: Can Japan end its love affair with plastic?

World number one Naomi Osaka welcomed US coach Jermaine Jenkins to her team on Thursday, just in time for her title defense at Indian Wells next week.&nbsp;

"Had a great dinner with the team," Japan's US and Australian Open champion said in a Twitter post. "Also taking this moment to thank Jermaine for joining us and coming on board lol."&nbsp;

An article on the WTA website said Jenkins would fill the role of head coach in the wake of Osaka's shock split with coach Sascha Bajin just 17 days after she won a second straight Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.&nbsp;

Jenkins, 34, is a former US collegiate star who served as hitting partner to Venus Williams from 2015 until the end of last season.&nbsp;

His younger brother Jarmere is Serena Williams's hitting partner.&nbsp;

In January, Jenkins was named&nbsp;by the US Tennis Association as a national women's coach.&nbsp;

Osaka, 21, said in Dubai last week that her split with Bajin was "kind of brewing" in Melbourne and that she didn't expect to be without a coach for long.&nbsp;

"It's not really ideal to go to Indian Wells without a coach," she said.&nbsp;

Women's main draw play in the combined WTA and ATP Masters event in the California desert begins on March 6. Osaka like all the 32 seeded women will enjoy a first-round bye.&nbsp;

World number one Naomi Osaka welcomed US coach Jermaine Jenkins to her team on Thursday, just in time for her title defense at Indian Wells next week. "Had a great dinner with the team," Japan's US and Australian Open champion said in a Twitter post.

World number one Naomi Osaka welcomed US coach Jermaine Jenkins to her team on Thursday, just in time for her title defense at Indian Wells next week. "Had a great dinner with the team," Japan's US and Australian Open champion said in a Twitter post. "Also taking this moment to thank Jermaine for joining us and coming on board lol." An article on the WTA website said Jenkins would fill the role of head coach in the wake of Osaka's shock split with coach Sascha Bajin just 17 days after she won a second straight Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Jenkins, 34, is a former US collegiate star who served as hitting partner to Venus Williams from 2015 until the end of last season. His younger brother Jarmere is Serena Williams's hitting partner. In January, Jenkins was named by the US Tennis Association as a national women's coach. Osaka, 21, said in Dubai last week that her split with Bajin was "kind of brewing" in Melbourne and that she didn't expect to be without a coach for long. "It's not really ideal to go to Indian Wells without a coach," she said. Women's main draw play in the combined WTA and ATP Masters event in the California desert begins on March 6. Osaka like all the 32 seeded women will enjoy a first-round bye.

Naomi Osaka adds US coach Jermaine Jenkins to team

World tennis number one Naomi Osaka has split from her coach Sascha Bajin just 17 days after completing back-to-back Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open.

"Hey everyone, I will no longer be working together with Sascha. I thank him for his work and wish him all the best in the future," the 21-year-old Japanese tweeted in a shock announcement.

Bajin, a former hitting partner to Serena Williams, responded: "Thank you Naomi. I wish you nothing but the best as well. What a ride that was. Thank you for letting me be part of this."

Osaka, who became the first Asian to hold the top ranking after beating Czech Petra Kvitova in the Melbourne final on January 26, had worked with the German for just over a year.&nbsp;

No reason was given for the surprise decision to part ways, but Japanese media cited Osaka's management company IMG in reporting that there had been a breakdown in the player's relationship with the coach since the start of the year.

According to Japan's Nikkan Sports, some practice sessions with Bajin at the Australian Open lasted just 10 minutes and she sometimes hit without him being present.&nbsp;

Osaka, who is scheduled to compete in Dubai next week, began sounding out potential replacements late last year, local media reported.

The Japanese player captured her first Grand Slam crown by stunning Williams at last year's US Open in a final remembered as much for the American's astonishing rant at the chair umpire following a coaching violation.

Based in the United States, Osaka linked up with Bajin in late 2017 and enjoyed a breakthrough year, shooting from 72 in the world to the top of the women's rankings.

Disbelief

During that period she won the prestigious Indian Wells tournament before scooping her first major in New York, while Bajin was named WTA coach of the year.

Osaka's Twitter feed lit up in response to her announcement, with several memes expressing widespread disbelief -- including a shrugging Barack Obama, a confused Joey from American sitcom "Friends" and a Minions character screaming "WHAAAAT?"

Osaka, who grew up in the US and speaks little Japanese, melted hearts when she fought back tears after her emotional US Open win over her idol Williams as booing echoed around the stadium.

She won more fans with a nail-biting 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 win over Kvitova in the Australian Open final, after which Osaka sobbed tears of joy as the jeers were replaced by cheers.

Former greats Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert have all heaped praise on the new darling of women's tennis.

"Winning back-to-back Grand Slam tournaments is a rare and special achievement, and I'm thrilled these results have propelled Naomi to the top of the women's game,"&nbsp;said Evert, the first ever WTA world number one.

"Her exciting brand of tennis, coupled with the dignity she displays on and off court, is a winning combination that tennis fans really embrace."

World tennis number one Naomi Osaka has split from her coach Sascha Bajin just 17 days after completing back-to-back Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open.

World tennis number one Naomi Osaka has split from her coach Sascha Bajin just 17 days after completing back-to-back Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open. "Hey everyone, I will no longer be working together with Sascha. I thank him for his work and wish him all the best in the future," the 21-year-old Japanese tweeted in a shock announcement. Bajin, a former hitting partner to Serena Williams, responded: "Thank you Naomi. I wish you nothing but the best as well. What a ride that was. Thank you for letting me be part of this." Osaka, who became the first Asian to hold the top ranking after beating Czech Petra Kvitova in the Melbourne final on January 26, had worked with the German for just over a year. No reason was given for the surprise decision to part ways, but Japanese media cited Osaka's management company IMG in reporting that there had been a breakdown in the player's relationship with the coach since the start of the year. According to Japan's Nikkan Sports, some practice sessions with Bajin at the Australian Open lasted just 10 minutes and she sometimes hit without him being present. Osaka, who is scheduled to compete in Dubai next week, began sounding out potential replacements late last year, local media reported. The Japanese player captured her first Grand Slam crown by stunning Williams at last year's US Open in a final remembered as much for the American's astonishing rant at the chair umpire following a coaching violation. Based in the United States, Osaka linked up with Bajin in late 2017 and enjoyed a breakthrough year, shooting from 72 in the world to the top of the women's rankings. Disbelief During that period she won the prestigious Indian Wells tournament before scooping her first major in New York, while Bajin was named WTA coach of the year. Osaka's Twitter feed lit up in response to her announcement, with several memes expressing widespread disbelief -- including a shrugging Barack Obama, a confused Joey from American sitcom "Friends" and a Minions character screaming "WHAAAAT?" Osaka, who grew up in the US and speaks little Japanese, melted hearts when she fought back tears after her emotional US Open win over her idol Williams as booing echoed around the stadium. She won more fans with a nail-biting 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 win over Kvitova in the Australian Open final, after which Osaka sobbed tears of joy as the jeers were replaced by cheers. Former greats Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert have all heaped praise on the new darling of women's tennis. "Winning back-to-back Grand Slam tournaments is a rare and special achievement, and I'm thrilled these results have propelled Naomi to the top of the women's game," said Evert, the first ever WTA world number one. "Her exciting brand of tennis, coupled with the dignity she displays on and off court, is a winning combination that tennis fans really embrace."

World number one Naomi Osaka in shock split with coach

Japan striker Takashi Usami, one of the country&#39;s most coveted players, is set to join German Bundesliga side Augsburg, his J-League club, Gamba Osaka said today. 
 
The 24-year-old, who helped Gamba achieve a domestic treble in 2014 and has previously had spells at Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim, will play his final J-League game at home to Nagoya Grampus this weekend. 
 
Usami joined German giants Bayern on loan as a teenager in 2011 amid much fanfare in Japan, scoring six goals in 18 appearances but ultimately failing to force his way into the side for Bundesliga games. 
 
The former J-League young player of the year subsequently moved on to Hoffenheim, where he endured a season of frustration before returning to Osaka, helping them return to the top flight after a season in division two. 
 
Augsburg, who finished 12th in the Bundesliga last season, currently have three South Korean internationals on their books, including former skipper Koo Ja-Cheol and former Sunderland striker Ji Dong-Won. 
 
(AFP)

Takashi Usami joined Bayern Munich on loan as a teenager in 2011 amid much fanfare in Japan, scoring six goals in 18 appearances

Japan striker Takashi Usami, one of the country's most coveted players, is set to join German Bundesliga side Augsburg, his J-League club, Gamba Osaka said today. The 24-year-old, who helped Gamba achieve a domestic treble in 2014 and has previously had spells at Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim, will play his final J-League game at home to Nagoya Grampus this weekend. Usami joined German giants Bayern on loan as a teenager in 2011 amid much fanfare in Japan, scoring six goals in 18 appearances but ultimately failing to force his way into the side for Bundesliga games. The former J-League young player of the year subsequently moved on to Hoffenheim, where he endured a season of frustration before returning to Osaka, helping them return to the top flight after a season in division two. Augsburg, who finished 12th in the Bundesliga last season, currently have three South Korean internationals on their books, including former skipper Koo Ja-Cheol and former Sunderland striker Ji Dong-Won. (AFP)

Japan striker Usami set for Augsburg switch

osaka

Osaka, News on Osaka, stories on Osaka, articles on Osaka, Osaka stories at Wion, Osaka news, Osaka latest news