New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between India and Japan during the inaugural session of the India-Japan Forum, organized by the Ananta Aspen Centre on Friday. While he acknowledged the goodwill between the two countries, he stressed the need for practical actions to deepen this relationship further.
Jaishankar pointed out that even though India and Japan have never faced major issues in their relationship, this does not mean everything works smoothly. “How do you take good sentiment and turn it into a practical plan?” he asked.
Boosting Tourism and Education
Jaishankar highlighted tourism and education as key areas for collaboration. He noted the growing interest among Indians in traveling abroad, with over 13 million passports being issued annually. However, most Indian tourists currently visit countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Europe, and the Gulf, rather than Japan. He emphasized that India and Japan could work together to unlock the untapped potential in tourism.
Education is another area with room for growth. Greater exchanges between students and educational institutions in both countries could strengthen ties and foster mutual understanding.
Shared Experiences as Neighbors of China
Jaishankar also spoke about the shared experiences of India and Japan as neighbors of China. Both countries have complex relationships with China, shaped by trade, investment, and geopolitical dynamics. In India’s case, the relationship with China has seen significant challenges, especially during the 2020 border tensions. Despite this, trade between the two countries remains substantial.
Way Forward
Jaishankar called for more people-to-people interactions to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. “We need to translate goodwill into practical partnerships,” he said. By focusing on tourism, education, and other collaborative efforts, India and Japan can further strengthen their bond and create new opportunities for their citizens.
This discussion reflects the growing importance of India-Japan ties in the context of regional and global challenges.
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