Indian Ambassador Sibi George has wrapped up his successful stint in Japan, leaving behind a stronger bond between India and Japan. During his time there, both countries celebrated major wins in their partnership, from cultural ties to economic growth.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya hailed George as a key bridge builder between the two nations. George arrived in Tokyo in November 2022, right in the middle of the COVID-19 challenges. Over the years, he traveled across all 47 prefectures of Japan, soaking in everything from bustling cities to peaceful towns—from snowy Hokkaido in the north to sunny Okinawa in the south.
A highlight was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two visits to Japan, where he met his Japanese counterpart. These trips boosted the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Modi even laid out big plans for the next decade, opening a fresh chapter in their alliance.
To mark the deep cultural links between India and Japan, several Mahatma Gandhi statues popped up during George’s tenure. In 2023, PM Modi unveiled one at Hiroshima Peace Park. Then, in 2024, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar revealed another in Edogawa. George himself inaugurated a statue of Bharat Ratna Dr. CV Raman in Shimane. The Japanese people embraced these symbols warmly, seeing them as lasting signs of India-Japan friendship.
George also spotlighted fun cultural exchanges that brought the countries closer. In Gunma prefecture, the famous Daruma doll— a staple in Japanese traditions—traces its roots to India via Buddhism. It stands as a hopeful link between our people. Over in Nagasaki’s Peacock Park, India gifted 10 peacocks 15 years ago. Now, their numbers have jumped to 200, mirroring the growing historic bond.
On the economic front, things really took off. Investments hit 10 trillion yen, with 500,000 people-to-people exchanges and 50,000 Indian professionals powering Japan’s progress. George worked hard on regional ties too, bringing 16 Japanese governors to meet PM Modi. Standout partnerships include Uttar Pradesh with Yamanashi and Gujarat with Shizuoka.
Looking to the future, George stressed the role of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), which builds on the India-Japan partnership. “QUAD is a vital forum that drives cooperation, prosperity, and stability across the Indo-Pacific region,” he said. Foreign Minister Iwaya agreed, pointing to the leaders’ joint statement from August that sets a clear path ahead. With India hosting the QUAD meeting this year and Australia in 2026, their collaboration looks set to stay rock-solid.
George’s time in Japan has truly transformed India-Japan relations, forging strong cultural, strategic, and economic bridges that will shape their friendship for years.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
