By Sakurako Nakagawa Tokyo, Oct. 1 (Jiji Press)–Japan-India Association Chairman Fumio Kishida, former prime minister, has voiced determination to strengthen bilateral people-to-people exchanges to contribute to peace and development for not only the two countries but also the international community. India’s young talent in fields including information technology is “highly sought after worldwide,” especially in the age of artificial intelligence, Kishida said in a recent interview with Jiji Press. “It’s important for Japan to increase exchanges with this generation that will play the leading role in the future,” he said, calling India “an important partner with great potential.” With many business and other events being planned ahead of the 75th anniversary of the normalization of the Japan-India diplomatic relations and the 80th anniversary of the founding of India, both next year, the association will cooperate to boost the festive mood further, he said. Kishida also said he will consider visiting India as the association’s chairman in 2027. Japanese companies trying to do business in India tend to struggle because of the unpredictability of frequently changing standards and tax rules. Kishida pointed to the need to help companies address such problems to further promote economic cooperation between the two countries. Based on his experience as prime minister, Kishida views Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a strong-willed politician,” saying that Modi is determined to improve his country through his signature “Make in India” initiative, aimed at boosting the manufacturing sector and creating jobs. “I believe Japan’s technological strengths are appealing to India,” Kishida added. Referring to cultural exchange events, including those related to Japanese anime and manga, expected for next year, Kishida said that Japan’s rapidly growing content industry is “highly praised” in India, just as Indian culture, including films and cuisines, is popular among Japanese people. From the experience of enhancing Japan-India ties through the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima and the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi, chaired respectively by Kishida and Modi in 2023, Kishida recognizes India’s importance in the international community, particularly to advance the free and open Indo-Pacific initiative and provide leadership among the Global South emerging countries. “Strengthening ties with India contributes to peace and development in the international community,” Kishida said, expressing a wish to support such efforts through nongovernmental exchanges promoted by the association. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
