Namaskar

It is my great pleasure to meet you all today. You are the living embodiment of the energy and diversity of Japan.

I can feel in this room, the speed of Saitama, the resilience of Miyagi, the vibrancy of Fukuoka, and the heritage of Nara. All of you have the warmth of Kumamoto, the freshness of Nagano, the beauty of Shizuoka, and the pulse of Nagasaki. All of you embody the strength of Mount Fuji and the spirit of Sakura. Together, you make Japan timeless.

Excellencies,

The deep bonds between India and Japan go back thousands of years. We are connected by the compassion of Lord Buddha. Bengal's Radhabinod Pal put 'justice' above 'strategy' in the 'Tokyo Trials'. We are connected by his indomitable courage.

Diamond merchants from my home state of Gujarat came to Kobe in the early part of the last century. Hama-Matsu's company brought about a revolution in India's automobile sector. This entrepreneurial spirit of both countries connects us.

There are many such stories like these, many relationships, that closely connect India and Japan. Today, new chapters are being written in these relations in the field of trade, technology, tourism, security, skill, and culture. This relationship is not limited to the corridors of Tokyo or Delhi. This relationship lives in the thoughts of the people of India and Japan.

Excellencies,

Before becoming the Prime Minister, I served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for about a decade and a half. And during this time, I also had the privilege of visiting Japan. I have closely seen the potential and possibilities in our states and your prefectures.

As Chief Minister, my focus was Policy driven governance, promoting industry, building strong infrastructure, and creating a conducive environment for investment. Today, this is also known as the ‘Gujarat Model’.

In 2014, after becoming the Prime Minister, I made this thinking a part of national policy. We reinvigorated the competitive spirit in our states. We made them a platform for national growth. Just like the prefectures of Japan, every state of India has its own identity, its own specialty. Their areas are different. Some are coastal, others are situated in the lap of the mountains.

We have worked to turn our diversity into dividend. To boost the economy and identity of every district, we launched the "One District - One Product” campaign. For the underdeveloped districts and blocks, we introduced the Aspirational District and Block Program. To connect remote border villages with the mainstream, we started the Vibrant Villages Program. Today, these districts and villages are emerging as new centres of national growth.

Excellencies,

Your prefectures are real powerhouses of technology, manufacturing, and innovation. Some of them have economies larger than entire countries. This also means you carry an equally great responsibility.

The future of international collaboration is being shaped by your efforts. Many Indian states and Japanese prefectures already have partnerships, such as:

Gujarat and Shizuoka,
Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi,
Maharashtra and Wakayama,
Andhra Pradesh and Toyama.

However, I believe that this partnership should not remain only on paper. It should happen from paper to people to prosperity.

We want Indian states to become hubs of international cooperation. With this in mind, Prime Minister Ishiba and I launched the State - Prefecture Partnership Initiative yesterday. Our goal is for delegations from at least three Indian states and three prefectures to visit each other’s countries every year. I warmly invite all of you to be part of this initiative, and to visit India.

Let India’s states and Japan’s prefectures co-pilot our shared progress.

Your province provides fertile ground not only for large companies but also for SMEs and start-ups. Similarly, in India, start-ups and MSMEs from smaller towns are playing a vital role in driving the country’s growth story.

If these vibrant ecosystems of Japan and India come together -

Ideas will flow,
innovation will grow,
and opportunities will unfold !

I am happy that with this thought in mind, a Business Exchange Forum is being launched in Kansai. This will create direct communication between companies, bring new investments, strengthen startup partnerships, and create more opportunities for skilled professionals.

Excellencies,

When young minds connect, great nations rise together.

Japan’s universities are world-renowned. To encourage more Indian students to study here, learn, and contribute, we launched an Action Plan yesterday with Prime Minister Ishiba. Under this plan, over the next 5 years, 5 lakh individuals will take part in exchange programs across different sectors. In addition to this, 50,000 skilled Indian professionals will come to Japan. Japan’s prefectures will play a key role in this. I am confident we will have your support in this effort.

Excellencies,

I wish that as our countries move forward together, every prefecture and every Indian state creates new industries, develops new skills, and opens up new opportunities for its people.

Tokyo and Delhi can take the lead.
But,
Let Kanagawa and Karnataka, give voice.
Let Aichi and Assam, dream together.
Let Okayama and Odisha, build the future.

Thank you very much.
Arigato Gozaimasu.
 

DISCLAIMER -This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.

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MJPS/SR