Japanese State Minister Kunimitsu Ayano holds talks with Bengal officials on investment, defence cooperation and people-to-people exchanges….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Kunimitsu Ayano visited Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal from September 10 to 13, holding talks with senior state government officials on strengthening India-Japan ties, encouraging Japanese investment and expanding people-to-people exchanges.
During the four-day visit, Ayano congratulated the West Bengal government on the formation of the new government in May and discussed the “various potential” of India-Japan relations, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The two sides agreed to work together to further strengthen bilateral ties ahead of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.
A key focus of the discussions was increasing Japanese investment in West Bengal. Ayano highlighted the current situation of Japanese companies operating in the state and sought the West Bengal government’s cooperation in creating greater opportunities for Japanese businesses.
The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in promoting people-to-people exchanges, particularly in business and tourism.
As part of her visit, Ayano toured Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), the Kolkata-based shipyard under the Ministry of Defence. She held discussions with the company’s senior management on ways to further strengthen defence cooperation between India and Japan.
The visit to GRSE assumes significance as the two countries seek to expand collaboration in defence and maritime sectors. Discussions focused on identifying opportunities to advance bilateral defence cooperation.
Ayano also visited Netaji Bhawan, the museum dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, whose association with Japan forms an important part of the historical ties between the two countries.
During the visit, a relative of Bose briefed the Japanese minister on the Indian independence movement and Netaji’s longstanding association with Japan.
The Japanese State Minister also visited several other locations in West Bengal during her stay.
Her visit comes as India and Japan prepare to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations, with both countries looking to widen cooperation across economic, defence, tourism and cultural sectors.
The discussions in Kolkata highlighted Japan’s growing interest in strengthening its economic engagement with West Bengal, particularly by encouraging Japanese companies to invest in the state while promoting stronger links between businesses and people on both sides.
