How is PM Modi Engaging Japanese Governors in India's Growth?

Tokyo, Aug 30 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with the governors from 16 prefectures in Japan on Saturday, encouraging them to become a part of "India's growth narrative" by capitalizing on new initiatives and developing partnerships with Indian state governments.

This meeting reaffirmed India's dedication to enhancing bilateral relations with Japan through grassroots and regional collaborations, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

It highlighted the increasing significance of the State-Prefecture Partnership Initiative, which aims to promote cooperation between Indian states and Japanese prefectures across various strategic sectors.

During his address, PM Modi remarked that contemporary India-Japan relations, enriched by deep-rooted civilizational ties, "have continued to prosper," according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

He emphasized the momentum in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership across multiple domains, asserting that it is time to provide a "renewed impetus" to State-Prefecture collaboration, extending beyond the connections primarily between Tokyo and Delhi.

In this vein, PM Modi pointed out the State-Prefecture Partnership Initiative introduced at the 15th Annual Summit, which "would enhance trade, technology, tourism, skills, security, and cultural ties" between the two nations.

He called upon the Japanese Governors and Indian state governments to "utilize the new initiative and create partnerships" in areas such as manufacturing, technology, innovation, mobility, next-generation infrastructure, start-ups, and SMEs.

Recognizing that each prefecture in Japan possesses its unique economic and technological strengths, while Indian states have their distinct capabilities, the Prime Minister invited the Governors to take part in "India's growth narrative."

He urged them to contribute to the commitments made by both countries regarding youth and skills exchange and to "optimally blend Japanese technology with Indian talent."

The Governors acknowledged that collaboration at the sub-national level is essential for elevating India-Japan business, education, cultural, and people-to-people relations to the "next level of ambition."

According to the MEA, "Taking significant strides in the steadfast India-Japan ties, PM Narendra Modi met with the Governors of 16 prefectures in Tokyo. He highlighted the potential of collaboration between states and prefectures and urged action under the State-Prefecture Partnership Initiative launched during the 15th Annual Summit for mutual progress."

Discussions concentrated on methods to deepen the evolving partnerships between Indian states and Japanese prefectures in fields like technology, innovation, investment, skills, start-ups, and SMEs, as published by the ministry on X.