As “civilization connections founded on shared democratic values, religious harmony, and a commitment to peace and humanity,” Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has reiterated the long-standing historical and cultural ties between India and Japan. Along with a high-level delegation, the Chief Minister arrived in Tokyo on July 5 to discuss potential partnerships, collaborations, and developmental projects with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private businesses, and civil society organizations. Sports, the opening of an engineering college, student and policy-level exchanges, peacebuilding, and other multi-sectoral projects were among the many Memorandums of Understanding and agreements that were inked during the visit. Speaking at a series of high-level meetings in Tokyo, a Nagaland government official claimed that Rio emphasized the special bond between the people of Nagaland and Japan.
“We have a unique kinship because of our common history and experiences. The Chief Minister stated, “Today, we are working together to create a peaceful and forward-thinking future for our children and future generations, in addition to commemorating the past. Rio thanked the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, praising Ambassador Sibi George and his staff for their proactive efforts to establish deep ties between Japanese prefectures and Indian states. He called the Embassy’s outreach “exemplary” and said it was essential to strengthening ties between Japan and India. According to the official, an MOU was signed with an emphasis on agri-technology transfer, capacity building, employment prospects for Naga youth in Japan, and human resource exchange.
Rio also emphasized Nagaland’s Center of Excellence for Foreign Languages, which teaches young people Japanese to increase their employability abroad. The two parties discussed prospective student and youth leadership exchanges and assessed current cooperation during discussions with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF). Leaders in the animation industry, such as AXON’s Erie Watanabe and Taeaki Tanaka and Eclat Animal CEO Toyonaga Hitomi, were consulted. Along with officials Masaki Yoshida and Kenichi Kawani, former Nagano MP Jun Matsumoto expressed interest in agriculture sector cooperation and manpower exchange during a meeting with the Japan-India Friendship Association (Nagano Prefecture).
Government representatives backed the sessions, which were attended by Indian Embassy officials.
Rio reaffirmed the state government’s full support and willingness to forge long-lasting cross-sector relationships in his remarks, and he expressed his sincere gratitude to all Japanese stakeholders for their kindness and dedication to Nagaland. “Nagaland is prepared to interact with the world. Our people are capable, our kids are eager, and our government is dedicated to creating partnerships that are meaningful and focused on the future. Nagaland will always be a unique partner for Japan. Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor, Industries and Commerce Department of the state government, and Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), are part of the high-level delegation.
