A ceremony marking the establishment of the Japan-India Governors’ Network for Friendship and Exchange took place at the Indian embassy in Tokyo on February 17. This initiative involves the governors of nine Japanese prefectures and aims to enhance connections between these prefectures and various Indian states, focusing on industrial cooperation, human resource development, and tourism.

Remarks from Yamanashi Prefecture Governor

Mr. Kotaro Nagasaki, the governor of Yamanashi Prefecture and one of the originators of the network, emphasized the long-standing historical ties and traditions shared by Japan and India. He stated that this collaboration would facilitate significant advancements in economic and cultural exchanges between Indian states and Japanese prefectures. Nagasaki highlighted the collective strength of local governments working together, leveraging their unique knowledge and experiences to foster ongoing and expansive development.

Indian Ambassador’s Statements on Cooperation

Ms. Nagma Mohamed Mallic, the Indian ambassador to Japan, referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan last year, where he identified cooperation between states and prefectures as a crucial element for future relations. She stressed the essential role of Japanese prefectures in bolstering the country’s manufacturing and technological sectors and expressed her enthusiasm in supporting the formation of the Governors’ Network.

Showcasing Strengths of Various Prefectures

During the session, each governor and lieutenant governor presented the strengths and needs of their respective prefectures. Yamanashi Prefecture announced a memorandum of understanding with Uttar Pradesh, aiming to boost green hydrogen exports. Uttar Pradesh is noted for its concentration of educational institutions, which the Governors’ Network plans to leverage for mutual benefit. Tottori Prefecture is looking to export Japanese sake, collaborating with other prefectures on this endeavor.

Industry and Educational Collaborations

Iwate Prefecture, with its extensive 50-year history in the semiconductor sector, plans to enhance business partnerships and engineer training. Meanwhile, Miyagi Prefecture intends to send a delegation to Meghalaya to foster mutual exchanges, focusing on Japanese sake, food exports, and the exchange of IT professionals and inbound tourists. Toyama Prefecture has reaffirmed its memorandum of understanding with Andhra Pradesh, aiming to promote tourism along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route, characterized by its impressive snowy landscapes and lush mountains.

Medical and Cultural Collaborations

In addition, Toyama Prefecture seeks to collaborate with India in the medical field. Shizuoka Prefecture signed an MOU with Gujarat, building on its prior relationship with Maruti Suzuki and the Indian automotive market. The prefecture is also working to recruit Indian engineers and promote a society that embraces cultural diversity.

Upcoming Visits and Network Activities

At the end of February, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to visit Yamanashi Prefecture with a delegation, which will be welcomed by the Japanese Governors’ Network. A reciprocal visit by a Japanese delegation to Uttar Pradesh is planned for August. The activities of the Governors’ Network are steadily transitioning from planning to real-world application.

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