NEW DELHI — As India marks its 77th Republic Day today, Monday, January 26, 2026, Japan’s Ambassador to India, ONO Keiichi, joined world leaders in extending warm greetings to the nation. Known for his “foodie diplomacy,” the Ambassador’s message highlighted not just the strategic ties between Tokyo and New Delhi, but a genuine embrace of Indian cultural traditions.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ambassador Keiichi shared a photograph standing beside the Indian tricolour, expressing his excitement for the day’s events at Kartavya Path and the prestigious “At Home” reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
1. A Viral Lesson in “Biryani Diplomacy”
The Ambassador’s Republic Day message follows a week of viral social media moments that have endeared him to millions of Indians:
- The Biryani Challenge: On January 21, the Ambassador visited the iconic Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi. He shared a video of himself being taught by an Indian friend how to eat biryani traditionally—using his hands.
- The Sushi Comparison: In a post that garnered over half a million views, he noted: “Like sushi, it tastes even better when eaten by hand… I feel I’ve come a little closer to my friends!”
- The Telugu Touch: Reflecting his stay in India and past visits to Telangana, he concluded his post with the Telugu phrase “Chala Bagundi” (Very Good), prompting a warm response from leaders like Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu.
2. Strategic Significance of R-Day 2026
While Ambassador Keiichi represented the “People-to-People” pillar of the relationship, the 2026 parade also underscores India’s expanding global partnerships:
- European Union as Chief Guest: For only the second time, India has invited a regional bloc’s leadership. Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) and Antonio Costa (President of the European Council) are the chief guests, signaling a move toward a landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
- Indo-Japan 10th Anniversary: Ambassador Keiichi’s tenure coincides with the 10th Anniversary of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with both nations collaborating on high-speed rail, AI, and Indo-Pacific security.
Fact Sheet: Ambassador ONO Keiichi in India
| Category | Details |
| Assumption of Office | October 23, 2024 (Succeeded Suzuki Hiroshi) |
| Education | Tokyo University & Cambridge University |
| Recent Viral Posts | Eating Litti Chokha in Bihar & Biryani at Andhra Bhavan |
| R-Day Highlight | Invited to the Presidential “At Home” reception |
| Diplomatic Priority | “Ensuring safety of Japanese residents & deepening FOIP” |