Japan: Discussions held on strengthening India-Nagasaki City cooperative relations
Tokyo, June 9
India's Ambassador to Japan, Nagma Mallick, held discussions with the Nagasaki City Mayor Shirosuke Suzuki Tuesday on measures to further strengthen the exchange and cooperative relations between India and Nagasaki City.
"Ambassador Malik welcomed Nagasaki Mayor Shirosuke Suzuki to the Embassy of India in Japan today, the Embassy wrote on X.
"The Ambassador and the Mayor engaged in a meaningful exchange of views on measures to further strengthen the exchange and cooperative relations between India and Nagasaki City," it added.
On Monday, the Ambassador held discussions with Japan's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Hiyoshi Takehiro.
They reviewed outcomes of recent high-level exchanges and senior-level talks while discussing measures to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Last month, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi visited India to participate in the Japan-US-Australia-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting and paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
According to a statement released by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides confirmed that they will work together to achieve concrete results in areas such as economic growth through investment, innovation, and knowledge circulation, as well as cooperation in the field of economic security.
"Delighted to receive Mr Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. Reaffirmed the vital role of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership in advancing peace, stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond," PM Modi wrote on X after the meeting.
Minister Motegi stated that, based on the Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next 10 Years announced during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan last year, various initiatives are being pursued in the areas of security, economy, investment, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. Furthermore, both sides agreed to cooperate in realising a strong and prosperous Indo-Pacific under an evolved Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
— IANS
Reader Comments
Nice initiative but I wish these diplomatic talks also focused on more practical issues like easing visa norms for Indian students and professionals in Japan. The people-to-people exchanges mentioned sound good on paper, but ground-level access is still tough.
Finally some concrete action beyond big summits! Nagasaki's expertise in shipbuilding and robotics could complement India's skills in IT and pharmaceuticals. If this city-level partnership works, it could set a template for others. Let's see if the follow-up is as strong as the photo op. 👍
India and Japan share democratic values and a vision for a free Indo-Pacific. These small but steady steps—like city-level dialogues—build trust over time. Glad to see Ambassador Malik actively engaging. Just hope we don't get bogged down in bureaucracy later.
Interesting that Nagasaki—a city with such a unique history—is deepening ties with India. Could this be about tech transfer in disaster management or green energy? Japan's advanced systems could help Indian cities too. Either way, good to see diplomacy going local.
While city partnerships are nice, let's not forget that Japan still restricts many Indian professionals from long-term stays. The 'meaningful exchange of views' should lead to actual policy changes. Otherwise it's just chai pe charcha at the embassy level. 😅
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.