Japan pact unmasks Modi's growth ploy

[SINGAPORE] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed his first 100 days in office in style: by inking a US$34 billion investment agreement with his Japanese counterpart - and Twitter buddy - Shinzo Abe.

But the pact also offers clues about Mr Modi's broader growth strategy. He will cut similar deals with China and other countries. In return for investment dollars and local jobs, he will buy their equipment.

Mr Modi has plenty of opportunities to test out his strategy. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott will visit India this month, and Mr Modi will fly to Washington towards the end of September for a summit with US President Barack Obama.