Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to visit India for three days starting July 1. She is expected to hold summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Guwahati, as confirmed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 9.
The leaders plan to discuss economic and infrastructure cooperation. The Chief Minister made the announcement during the launch of the Blue Valley Cluster pilot project on fragrances, flavours and Ayush, developed with the European Union.
He noted that the meeting would further strengthen Assam’s position in India-Japan relations. The planned summit highlights the state’s increasing role under the Act East Policy.
The visit follows the postponement of an earlier summit between former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Modi in Guwahati in December 2019, which was cancelled amid protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Assam has recently seen major investments in transport, education and digital infrastructure, establishing it as the Northeast’s main growth hub. One key Japan-supported initiative is the Guwahati Water Supply Project, funded by JICA with 1,736 crore rupees to supply drinking water to over 140,000 households.
A high-level European Union delegation visited Guwahati on June 8-9 to explore cooperation with all Northeastern states. Chief Minister Sarma met the group, led by EU Ambassador Herve Delphin, to discuss trade and investment opportunities under the India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda.
Sarma stated that Assam’s growth rate of 45 percent exceeds India’s 29 percent, providing strong support for investors. He expressed confidence that momentum would accelerate further in the coming five years.
