India’s Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, has described the India-Japan relationship as having taken a “quantum leap” in recent years, stressing that the scope for cooperation is boundless. In an exclusive conversation, George emphasized that New Delhi and Tokyo share civilizational bonds that have matured into a modern-day “Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” first formalized in 2014.
He noted that the partnership now covers political exchanges, defense cooperation, business ties, technology, people-to-people connections, and even space exploration. “Sky is not even the limit,” he remarked, underscoring that collaboration between Indian states and Japanese prefectures has added a fresh dimension.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomacy, George pointed to India’s leadership during the G20 Summit in 2023 as a defining moment. The summit not only showcased India’s ability to host nearly 200 events across 50 cities but also brought in dozens of Japanese delegations, each returning with impressions of a “New India.” A statue of Mahatma Gandhi unveiled by PM Modi in Hiroshima during the G7 Summit has since become a symbol of India’s message of peace.
Among India’s biggest diplomatic achievements during the G20 was the unanimous adoption of a vision document, something that had not been possible before. Another milestone was securing the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20, ensuring the voice of over a billion people from the Global South was represented. George stressed that India brings solutions—not problems—to the global stage, citing its stable democracy and 1.5 billion citizens as proof of resilience.
On the economic front, George highlighted that India remains Japan’s most attractive business destination. Over 1,500 Japanese companies currently operate in India, spanning sectors from automobiles to technology, and surveys by JETRO confirm India as their top choice for expansion. With India now ranked as the world’s fourth-largest economy, the Ambassador described it as a “product with immense attraction” for Japanese investors.
Looking ahead, George said both nations are charting a new roadmap for cooperation that will drive growth in trade, cultural ties, and strategic collaboration. With shared values and converging interests, India and Japan stand poised to play a vital role in shaping the evolving global order.
