India - Japan, Surging Ahead

This year marks the fifth anniversary of upgrading our bilateral relationship to the Special Strategic and Global Partnership - H.E. Mr. Satoshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to India

PM Abe will be here this month. What are your expectations from the summit meeting?

In the rapidly changing strategic landscape of the world, Japan and India have a responsibility to work towards a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Building upon the mutual trust and shared strategic vision between Prime Minister Abe and Prime Minister Modi, Japan-India ties have become stronger than ever. Under their robust leadership, the two countries are working closely together to fulfill their responsibility for ensuring peace and stability of the region.

As this year marks the fifth anniversary of upgrading our bilateral relationship to the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, the upcoming visit by Prime Minister Abe will be a great opportunity for the two leaders to discuss their world views and strategic goals and to reaffirm their commitment to further develop the Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

One key element in this endeavor is people-to-people exchanges, especially among younger generations, which will determine the future of our long-lasting Partnership. Concrete deliverables of our cooperation towards a free and open Indo-Pacific will also include enhancing connectivity in the region. I’m convinced that a successful visit by Prime Minister Abe will elevate our Partnership to an even higher level.

Do you see an opportunity for Indian MSMEs to set up business in Japan?