Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture in Lucknow on Monday, marking a significant milestone in India-Japan relations.
The Japanese delegation was led by Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki. Following the signing, CM Yogi delivered his opening remarks in Japanese, underscoring the importance of economic cooperation between the two nations.
“India and Japan are countries with big economies… The state government is keen to cooperate with Japanese companies… Economic cooperation between India and Japan is very rich… Uttar Pradesh is a state of unlimited potential. After this MoU, relations between India and Japan are going to get a new strength,” CM Yogi said.
The MoUs reflect growing collaboration between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi Prefecture, building on the broader “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” between India and Japan.
India and Japan’s deep-rooted spiritual and cultural ties trace back to 752 AD when Indian monk Bodhisena consecrated the Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple in Nara. These historic connections have evolved over centuries, enriched by contributions from Indian figures such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Subhash Chandra Bose. Justice Radha Binod Pal’s dissenting opinion at the War Crimes Tribunal also continues to resonate with the Japanese people.
In contemporary times, the relationship has grown stronger, driven by a thriving Indian community in Japan. Over 40,000 Indians reside in Japan, particularly in the Nishikasai area of Tokyo, often referred to as “mini-India.” This includes a significant number of IT and engineering professionals, 282 students pursuing advanced degrees, 150 Indian professors, and 50 research visa holders. These cultural and academic exchanges further reinforce the bond between the two nations.