ONO Keiichi Assumes Role as Japan’s New Ambassador to India, Pledges Stronger Ties and Cooperation
EXCLUSIVE: Amb ONO assumed office at the time when both the nations are celebrating the 10th anniversary the Special Strategic and Global Partnership. He underscores the importance of people-to-people ties, economic cooperation, and shared Indo-Pacific vision.
NEW DELHI. October 23, 2024: ONO Keiichi, the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to India, assumed his post in New Delhi on Wednesday. In his first official message, Ambassador Ono expressed his deep honor and enthusiasm for his role, emphasizing Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with India—a nation he praised for its large population, vast territory, and rich historical and cultural heritage. He who succeeds Ambassador SUZUKI Hiroshi who relinquished his charge on 29th September to take over as Japanese envoy in London.
A senior and seasoned diplomat, Ambassador ONO, previously worked as Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. He, as the G7/G20 Sherpa for Prime Minister, contributed to the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023, the G20 New Delhi Summit 2023 and other G7/G20 Summits.
Highlighting the critical role of the Embassy, Ambassador Ono noted that ensuring the safety and security of Japanese residents in India remains a top priority. “It is a great pleasure and honor to work in India, which boasts the world’s largest population, vast territory, and a long and rich history and culture,” he stated.
Ambassador ONO who also served as Assistant Minister/Director-General for Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan from January until July in 2022, underscored the significance of the Japan-India partnership, particularly in the context of shared global ideals such as a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
His portfolio included economic/trade negotiations and coordination in various fora including G7, G20, WTO, OECD and others.
He stressed that the collaboration between the two nations plays a pivotal role in ensuring peace and prosperity not only in the Indo-Pacific region but also in the broader international community. Marking the 10th anniversary of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, Ambassador Ono expressed his dedication to further strengthening these diplomatic, economic, and security ties, building on the foundations laid by his predecessors and counterparts in both countries.
The Ambassador also emphasized the crucial role Japanese companies and nationals play in various sectors within India, from infrastructure development to human resource training. He vowed to support Japanese businesses, particularly those eyeing future opportunities in the Indian market, with a vision for closer cooperation and coordination.
At the heart of this thriving relationship, Ambassador ONO noted, are the people-to-people exchanges between India and Japan.
These exchanges, he explained, are vital in reinforcing the strong bonds between the two nations. “I will work sincerely to strengthen the ties between the people of Japan and India,” he said, while also pledging solid support for the grassroots exchanges that have been fostered by Japanese individuals over the years.
Ambassador Ono concluded his message on the Japan embassy website with a call for collective effort, expressing optimism about the continued growth of the Japan-India relationship, and stating his readiness to work closely with both nations to enhance this enduring partnership.
Profile of Ambassador ONO Keiichi:
Joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1988. Graduated from Tokyo University (BA in law, 1988), and University of Cambridge (St. John’s College, BA and MA in law, 1991). Married to Hikariko, Ambassador Extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Hungary, with one son.
Previously Ambassador ONO worked in other fields including bilateral relations with the five Mekong countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam), and China and Mongolia. Served in the Embassy of Japan in London in early 1990’s, and in Washington, D.C. from 2000 to 2003.
Before assuming the post of Ambassador to India, Ambassador ONO worked as Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. He, as the G7/G20 Sherpa for Prime Minister, contributed to the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023, the G20 New Delhi Summit 2023 and other G7/G20 Summits.
He also served as Assistant Minister/Director-General for Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan from January until July in 2022. His portfolio included economic/trade negotiations and coordination in various fora including G7, G20, WTO, OECD and others.
Earlier he was Assistant Minister/Director-General and Ambassador for Global Issues including SDGs, global health and climate change. He represented the Japanese Government in the COVAX Facility, the Gavi Vaccine Alliance Board, and also led the Japanese delegation at COP 26 in Glasgow in 2021.
He was Deputy Chief of Mission/Minister of the Embassy of Japan in Jakarta, Bureau for the Japan-U.S. alliance and security cooperation. He was Director, Northeast Asia Division, MOFA until October 2015, and was responsible for Japan’s relations with the Republic of Korea and North Korea.
