Japan’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Horii Iwao, is set to visit India, marking one of the first high-level visits by a senior member of the newly formed Japanese government under Prime Minister Takaichi. During his visit, the minister will focus on India’s Northeastern state of Meghalaya, underscoring Tokyo’s renewed commitment to strengthening ties with the region. He will be accompanied by the Japanese Ambassador to India, H.E. Keiichi Ono.
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Key meetings with Meghalaya CM
Horii Iwao is scheduled to meet Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and other regional officials in Shillong to discuss strategic partnerships. A key part of his itinerary includes a visit to India’s upcoming semiconductor facility in Assam, along with other regional investment hubs. This curated visit is aimed at showcasing emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing and technology development in the Northeast. Officials have indicated that the delegation will also assess prospects for collaboration in clean energy, circular economy initiatives, and skilling programs.
Horii Iwao will participate in KIZUNA-6, an event bringing together diplomats, policymakers, public representatives, scholars, and industry leaders. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma will deliver the inaugural address on February 26. H.E. Keiichi Ono, Ambassador of Japan to India, will also join, alongside senior representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs and leading industry figures.
High-level India–Japan leadership dialogue
The conclave will feature a high-level India–Japan leadership dialogue aimed at scaling strategic partnerships in Northeast India. Sessions will include business roundtables focused on the semiconductor ecosystem, clean energy, and regional development projects. Delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal are also expected to attend, offering a regional perspective on investment and policy opportunities.
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Strengthening regional collaboration
Officials emphasise that the visit, together with KIZUNA-6, signals Japan’s renewed political commitment to India’s Northeast. The engagement is expected to boost collaboration on resilient supply chains, advanced manufacturing, connectivity, and sustainable development. Interaction between the delegation and government and industry leaders is likely to lay the groundwork for long-term cooperation under the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
KIZUNA’s growing role in India–Japan ties
Since its inception, KIZUNA has become a key platform for India–Japan engagement. The sixth edition, KIZUNA-6, aims to strengthen institutional dialogue and catalyze sectoral partnerships, particularly in the Bay of Bengal region. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s inauguration of the conclave will set the tone for focused bilateral discussions and investment promotion.
