Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Kunimitsu Ayano visited Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal from September 10 to 13, holding discussions with senior state government officials on strengthening Japan-India ties, promoting Japanese investment and expanding people-to-people exchanges. The visit came as India and Japan prepare to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
During her visit, Kunimitsu congratulated the West Bengal government on the formation of the new government in May and discussed the potential for further cooperation between Japan and India. Both sides agreed to work together to strengthen bilateral relations ahead of the diplomatic anniversary. Discussions also covered greater exchanges in areas such as business and tourism.
The Japanese minister highlighted the situation of Japanese companies operating in West Bengal and sought the state government's cooperation in encouraging further investment by Japanese businesses. The Japanese Foreign Ministry said Kunimitsu explained the current circumstances of Japanese companies in the state and requested support for expanding their investment. The engagement underlined Japan's interest in deepening its economic presence in West Bengal.
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As part of her four-day visit, Kunimitsu also visited Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a shipyard under the Ministry of Defence, where she held discussions with the company's executive management. The talks focused on ways to further advance defence cooperation between Japan and India. The visit to the shipyard added a strategic dimension to her engagements in West Bengal, particularly in the defence and maritime sectors.
Kunimitsu also visited Netaji Bhawan, the museum dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who had longstanding ties with Japan. During the visit, a relative of Bose explained aspects of India's independence movement and his association with Japan. The Japanese foreign ministry said the State Minister visited various other sites across West Bengal during her stay.
The visit provided an opportunity for Japan and West Bengal to explore stronger cooperation across economic, defence, tourism and cultural areas. With the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations approaching, the discussions in Kolkata are expected to support greater engagement between Japanese companies and the state, while also encouraging wider exchanges among businesses and people of the two countries.
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