Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar, Sept 14 (UNI) India and Japan today signed 15 key agreements including key sectors like civil aviation and to facilitate and accelerate the Japanese investments in India. This will further broad-base strategic partnership between India and Japan as also both the countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. This is seen as aimed at Chinese assertiveness. The agreements were signed after bilateral talks. "We have just signed a joint statement which will serve as a milestone to open a new era for Japan-India relationship," Mr Abe said. He said increased Japan-India special strategic and global partnership will drive peace and prosperity for Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi said Japan has emerged "as the third largest investor" in India. UNI DEVN SNU 1531