Future of India-Japan relationship is AI, IoT, 5G: Japanese Ambassador

NEW DELHI. Japanese Ambassador in India Kenji Hiramatsu has said that Japan looks forward to partnering with India in its growth journey with the heightened focus on new age technologies like artificial intelligence. He also said for India-Japan partnership for jointly undertaking projects in Africa.

Speaking at ‘Japanese Imperial Succession and India-Japan Relations in the new Reiwa Era’ organized by FICCI, jointly with India Japan Friendship Forum (IJFF), Hiramatsu said that the next five years is very important for India. “We hope India, under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will take more proactive measures to improve its infrastructure and the social equity and social justice issues for its people, and also take India-Japan relationship to an even higher level,” he said.

Hiramatsu added that there is an increase in the commitment of Japanese companies in India’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, mainly railways and energy. Yet, he said, “Japan would focus more on collaborations in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and 5G as this is the future of our relationship.”

He emphasized that Japan was committed to India’s development efforts especially in the areas like infrastructure, Northeast development, and projects like Ganga Rejuvenation Project, women’s empowerment project, Swachh Bharat project, forest and disaster management, among others.

Japan is not only interested in increasing its business ties with India but would also work on security issues and would be interested in partnering with India for carrying out joint projects in Africa, he said. Japanese companies have the technology and financing, while Indian companies have the experience, he added.

Stressing on the importance of people to people exchange, Hiramatsu said, “The young people of both countries should know each other’s country. We want more exchange programs implemented for the youth and politicians. Tourism must be encouraged. We now have direct flights from Narita to Chennai and Bengaluru.”

Ambassador Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Chair, India Japan Friendship Forum (IJFF) said that the month of May was significant for both the countries as it saw the start of Reiwa era in Japan and re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his second term. India-Japan relationship has always been supported by all political parties in both the countries, she said.

Rohit Relan, Co-Chair, FICCI India-Japan Business Cooperation Committee and CMD, Bharat Seats highlighted that through forums like India Japan Friendship Forum, we are able to touch upon the softer elements between our two nations and understand each other’s culture and traditions in a much better way.

The function was attended by industry leaders and FICCI Past Presidents such as Onkar Kanwar, Chairman Apollo Tyres Ltd, Dr Jyotsna Suri, CMD, Bharat Hotels amongst others were also present on this occasion.