Ambassador of India HE Sibi George Celebrates His Country's Independence and Special Friendship with Japan

On the occasion of India's 78th Independence Day, I extend warm greetings to Their Majesties, the Emperor and the Empress of Japan, and to the Government and the people of Japan. I also take this opportunity to convey greetings to the Indian community and friends of India in Japan.

India's journey since independence has been one of remarkable transformation and progress, exemplified by its vibrant democracy, economic resilience, scientific advancements, and global leadership. The successful conduct of the 2024 general elections, involving over 900 million eligible voters, stands as the largest democratic exercise in history, showcasing India's commitment to representative governance.

Economically, India has emerged as the fastest-growing large economy, driven by ease of doing business reforms, increased foreign investment, and a burgeoning startup ecosystem. The 'Make in India' initiative has bolstered the manufacturing sector, while the services industry, particularly in IT and digital technologies, continues to lead globally.

India's scientific prowess is evident from the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, making it the first nation to land near the lunar south pole, and the indigenous development of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country's push towards renewable energy and electric vehicles demonstrates its dedication to sustainable development and combating climate change.

Government initiatives like the Aadhaar biometric identification system and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have revolutionized service delivery and financial inclusion, reaching even the most remote areas and resulting in significant improvements in social indicators.

*Indian Prime Minister Modi hosts the G20 summit in 2023. (©Sankei by Hiroshi Mori)*

Sustaining Ties

On the global stage, India has emerged as a responsible and constructive power, as evidenced by its presidency of the G20 Summit in 2023. The summit's outcomes reflected a commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation. India also brought the priorities of the Global South to the forefront during its G20 Presidency.

The year 2024 marks a decade of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, a relationship built on shared values and mutual respect that has expanded to cover multifaceted collaboration. Frequent exchanges between Honorable Prime Ministers HE Shri Narendra Modi and HE Mr Fumio Kishida and at other levels have further strengthened bilateral ties. Economically, bilateral trade has surpassed $22 billion USD, with Japanese investments in India targeted at ¥5 trillion JPY ($34 million) by 2027, contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation.

Collaboration in science and technology is advancing, with joint collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology paving the way for groundbreaking innovations. The India-Japan Digital Partnership has fostered cooperation in emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, while space sector cooperation, like the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) Mission, is expanding the horizons of collaboration.

*Prime Minister Fumio Kishida together with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Japan-India Summit Meeting, June 2024. (©Office of the Prime Minister of Japan)*

Partners and Friends

Defense cooperation between India and Japan has strengthened considerably through joint military exercises and strategic dialogues. The signing of the Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services Agreement (RPSS) has further facilitated this cooperation.

People-to-people ties form the bedrock of the relationship, with educational exchanges and skill development nurturing bonds between the youth of both countries. The India-Japan Year of Tourism 2.0 in 2024, themed "Connecting the Himalayas with Mount Fuji," builds on the success of previous exchanges.

On the global stage, India and Japan have demonstrated remarkable convergence in their visions, as seen in the synergy between India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative ("IPOI") policy and Japan's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" vision, along with collaboration under the QUAD framework.

With India firmly into the "Amrit Kaal," the golden phase leading up to the centenary of its independence, its potential as a responsible global partner continues to grow. This is underpinned by robust economic growth, a demographic dividend poised to shape the future global workforce, and a commitment to sustainable development, climate action, and peacekeeping efforts.

India's voice in international forums advocates for equitable representation and reform of global institutions to reflect 21st-century realities. The enduring friendship between India and Japan, rooted in shared values and mutual respect, has the potential to further strengthen cooperation by exploring complementarities and shaping a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

As India celebrates its Independence Day, it also celebrates this special partnership, extending gratitude to the people and government of Japan for their unwavering friendship.

Looking to the future, the India-Japan partnership is poised to continue flourishing, bringing the nations closer and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and to the betterment of the global community.