On December 13, 2024, in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Japan’s new Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi. The bilateral issues are important to drive home the growing India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. He wished the ambassador well and assured that the strengthening ties between the two nations were getting closer.
Key Takeaways of the Meeting: Strategic Cooperation and Global Relations
During the discussion, EAM Jaishankar and Ambassador Keiichi had some pertinent discussions on various important subjects that would be vital in strengthening India-Japan strategic relations. The discussion on expanding the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has been being nurtured for years between both nations, was an important focus.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar said he was happy to meet the Ambassador and further added that the relationship between India and Japan was already strong and should be strengthened.
He also wished Ambassador Keiichi success in his new assignment and added that the discussions would enhance bilateral relations.
Ambassador Keiichi at the Delhi Metro System
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Ono Keiichi toured the Delhi Metro system that has become a flagship of Indo-Japanese collaboration. Keiichi was taken around by Managing Director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Dr Vikas Kumar. The journey that the ambassador took-from Central Secretariat to Chawri Bazar station-emphasized the various operational aspects of Delhi Metro that interested him.
Keiichi observed the salient characteristics of the metro, which includes a separate coach for women in each train, an immense coverage of CCTV surveillance, and driverless trains. He was further curious about the Phase-IV expansion that has begun for the metro system, a move from Japan, which depicts that country’s keen interest in India’s infrastructure development.
Delhi Metro is indeed an example of the growing intimacy between India and Japan, as through funding from the Japanese Government under the umbrella of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, this has been brought about with substantial returns. For example, Keiichi the ambassador lauded this project done by the DMRC Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in describing it as a testimonial success to Indo-Japanese cooperation. His visit concluded with a stop at the Patel Chowk Metro Museum, which highlights the historical and cultural importance of this infrastructure initiative.
India-Japan Partnership in Infrastructure Development
Delhi Metro project is a proof of strong cooperation between India and Japan, especially when talking about infrastructure development and cooperation in the economic sector. Through their financial and technical input, the Japanese government helped shape it into one of the biggest and most efficient metro networks around the world.
Other than the metro project, Japan is involved in other key activities in India in the railway and renewable energy sector as well as the urban development sectors. Both countries have involved themselves in many joint ventures in upgrading the transportation infrastructure of the country and the smart city mission.
Other activities: Ambassador Keiichi works for promotion of Japan-India Relations
Besides meeting EAM Jaishankar, Ambassador Keiichi engaged in a whole set of other diplomatic and cultural activities. A day prior, he met Indian chess wizard D. Gukesh and congratulated him after he emerged victorious as FIDE World Chess Champion. It reflects the increased cultural and sporting relations that are developing between India and Japan.
Furthermore, Ambassador Keiichi spoke at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit in which he highlighted the contributions of Japanese companies in the state of Rajasthan. His speech underlined bright prospects for further investment, especially by the state government of Rajasthan’s high support for Japanese enterprises.
During the event, Keiichi also met with Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, further cementing the relationship between Japan and the Indian state.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for India-Japan Relations
The meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Ambassador Ono Keiichi was an example of the continuously increasing India-Japan relation. The Delhi Metro project as well as other projects in India are going ahead in a positive manner with further consolidation of cultural and economic relations.
Now, with the onset of a new term of ambassadors in both countries, further deepening of collaboration regarding strategic, economic, as well as cultural sectors among India and Japan is now positioned to become perfect. All this puts future India-Japan relations under exceptionally promising views.
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