Tokyo, Aug 20 (NationPress) In an exclusive dialogue with IANS, the Indian Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, shared insights on the strengthening bonds between India and Japan, the shifting global landscape, and the influential role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomacy in positioning India on the world stage.

Highlighting the historical connections between the two nations, the Ambassador described the bilateral relationship as experiencing a "quantum leap" in recent times, asserting that "the sky is not even the limit" for their partnership.

Here is the complete interview:

IANS: Can India and Japan forge a strong alliance in the new global order?

George: In 2014, India and Japan established what we term a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. This has reinforced the long-standing civilizational ties that have linked our nations for centuries.

Since 2014, we have witnessed consistent advancements in our relationship across various sectors: political dialogue, business collaborations, defense and security cooperation, cultural exchanges, and advancements in science and technology. Over the past decade, we have seen this growth manifest across all fields. As the geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape evolves, we are committed to enhancing our collaboration in every area.

India and Japan are like-minded nations, natural allies, and the potential for our partnership is boundless. We are even collaborating in space exploration. There has been a remarkable, quantum leap in our relationship in recent years, and this momentum will persist.

We are developing a new roadmap and vision for our partnership that aims for unprecedented heights and includes all facets of cooperation. This encompasses interactions between Indian states and Japanese prefectures. We firmly believe that Tokyo is just one part of Japan — the nation is much larger.

Thus, it is crucial for us to engage with every Japanese prefecture, and we have been proactively doing this in recent years. Likewise, we are linking Japanese prefectures with Indian states, and we are receiving extremely positive feedback from the Japanese side regarding this initiative.

IANS: In what ways has PM Modi's diplomacy benefited India during challenging times?

George: In recent years, India has played a significant role in global diplomacy. A prime example is the G20 Summit we hosted in 2023.

This summit marked a notable success for Indian diplomacy. Concurrently, Japan was hosting the G7 Summit, and there was strong coordination between our countries. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan for the Hiroshima Summit saw the unveiling of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Hiroshima Peace Park.

This statue has now become a symbol of India's presence in Hiroshima. Every visitor is drawn to the Mahatma Gandhi statue, which embodies India's commitment to peace and non-violence — ideals that both Mahatma Gandhi and India stand for.

The G20 Summit itself was an extraordinary occasion. We hosted nearly 200 events across 50 cities in India, resulting in 200 Japanese delegations visiting during that timeframe. Each returned with the message that they had witnessed a 'New India.' It was a proud moment, showcasing India's transformation and diplomatic prowess.

IANS: What would you say was India's major achievement during the G20?

George: A crucial outcome was the unanimous adoption of a vision document, which had previously been elusive. We successfully united all stakeholders to agree on a hopeful document for the world.

Additionally, we provided a platform for the Global South. Prior to the G20, India hosted the Global South Summit, bringing the voices of developing nations into the main G20 discussions. A historic achievement was securing Africa's inclusion as a permanent member of the G20, representing over a billion people.

India constitutes one-sixth of the global population, yet we are not merely a fraction of the world's problems — we offer solutions. In realms of diplomacy, economy, and crisis management, India consistently provides answers. With 1.5 billion people living in peace, in a democracy, and possessing the largest youth population globally — this is the key message India conveys today.

IANS: How has India's international relationships progressed under PM Modi's leadership?

George: Our relationships with nearly every nation have significantly advanced. There exists a new depth and substance in our diplomatic efforts.

For instance, Japan, a critical partner in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership, has seen substantial economic engagement. Currently, there are 1,500 Japanese companies operating in India, which represent 1,500 success stories.

A recent survey by JETRO indicates that Japanese firms view India as their preferred destination for expansion.

IANS: What makes the India-Japan economic narrative so compelling?

George: As an Ambassador, I often say that every Ambassador is a salesman, and I take pride in presenting a remarkable product. The India–Japan success story is a highly attractive offering.

India is now the fourth-largest economy globally, providing billions of opportunities that Japan can leverage. This is essential for addressing the geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges we face today. I am confident that we are heading in the right direction.