India and Japan discuss deepening partnership in agriculture and food processing
Tokyo, Jan 22
India's Ambassador-designate to Japan, Nagma Mallick held a meeting with Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on Thursday, discussing bilateral partnership in agriculture, food processing and sharing of best practices.
"Ambassador-designate Nagma M Mallick called on HE Mr. SUZUKI Norikazu, Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and discussed deepening India Japan partnership in the field of agriculture, food processing and sharing of best practices," the Indian Embassy in Japan posted on X.
On Monday, Mallick held a meeting with Japan's Minister of Economic Security in Tokyo and discussed various facets of bilateral partnership, including Economic Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cultural connect.
"Ambassador-designate Nagma M Mallick called on Minister Onoda Kimi. They discussed the various facets of India-Japan partnership, including Economic Security, AI and cultural connect," the Indian Embassy in Japan posted on X.
On January 16, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi co-chaired the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi and discussed economic, maritime, supply chain, critical mineral, technology, P2P and multilateral cooperation between both countries.
"Pleased to co-chair the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue alongside FM Toshimitsu Motegi in New Delhi today. Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership is on an upward trajectory and holds immense potential for shaping the world order and de-risking the international economy," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.
"Today's discussions on deeper economic, maritime, supply chain, critical mineral, technology, P2P and multilateral cooperation were reflective of our shared interests and mutual understanding. Also had a useful exchange of perspectives on Indo-Pacific and regional and global developments," he added.
Toshimitsu Motegi also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 16, highlighting that both Japan and India are "natural partners" that share fundamental values and strategic interests.
"At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Motegi stated that Japan and India are 'natural partners' that share fundamental values and strategic interests, and that he hopes to work together to realise a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' based on their strong bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Modi welcomed Minister Motegi's visit to India and stated that he hopes to deepen cooperation based on the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership," read a statement issued by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It added that the two sides agreed to further invigorate bilateral exchanges in 2027, the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India.
"With the 'Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade' announced during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan in August last year in mind, the two leaders held a frank exchange of views on a wide range of areas, including security, including economic security; the economy, investment, and innovation, including AI; and people-to-people exchanges, and agreed to elevate Japan-India relations to even greater heights," the Japanese MFA stated further.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who has worked in agri-tech, the sharing of best practices is crucial. Japanese precision farming techniques could really help Indian farmers increase yield sustainably. The focus on AI and economic security in the broader partnership is also very forward-thinking.
Natural partners indeed. Japan has always been a reliable friend. Deepening ties in agriculture, tech, and maritime security is good for both nations and for a stable Indo-Pacific. Let's hope the 75th anniversary in 2027 brings even more concrete projects.
Good step, but I hope this partnership benefits our small and marginal farmers directly, not just big corporations. The proof will be in the implementation. We've had many MoUs before; need to see actual technology transfer and training at the village level.
Japan's focus on quality and efficiency is legendary. If we can adopt even a fraction of their work ethic and processes in our food processing industry, it will boost 'Make in India' for the global market. More exports, more jobs! 💪
The cultural connect part is lovely. So many young Indians are fascinated by Japanese culture—anime, food, technology. And I think Japanese people are increasingly curious about India. Strong people-to-people ties are the best foundation for any strategic partnership.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.