Guwahati: Assam’s strategic and economic partnership with Japan remains firmly on course despite the recent cancellation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s proposed visit to the state. The assurance came after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a telephonic conversation with Japan’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Ono Keiichi, who reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to expanding cooperation under India’s Act East Policy.
During the discussion, both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in priority sectors, including electronics, semiconductors, infrastructure, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Chief Minister Sarma said Assam looks forward to working closely with Japanese enterprises and institutions to attract fresh investments, promote industrial growth and create new economic opportunities across the state.
The renewed diplomatic engagement follows the cancellation of the Japanese Prime Minister’s proposed visit to Assam earlier this week. While the state government was informed about the change in schedule, no specific reason for the cancellation was disclosed. The summit is now expected to take place in New Delhi.
Preparations for the high-profile visit had included extensive beautification work across Guwahati, with roads upgraded, flyovers repainted and public spaces landscaped to welcome the Japanese delegation. The visit was expected to be the Prime Minister’s first bilateral trip to India and was viewed as a significant opportunity to strengthen Assam’s role in India’s Act East Policy.
The cancellation also triggered political reactions in Assam and revived memories of 2019, when former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s planned visit to the state was similarly called off. However, the latest conversation between the Chief Minister and the Japanese Ambassador has reinforced confidence that bilateral cooperation will continue to expand, with a strong focus on investment, industrial development and long-term strategic partnership.
