India’s Ambassador-designate to Japan, Nagma Mohamad Mallick, held a series of high-level meetings this week aimed at broadening bilateral cooperation, including discussions on strategic collaboration with Uno Yoshimasa, Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister. The meeting, announced by the Indian Embassy in Japan, focused on identifying new opportunities for India–Japan engagement across priority sectors.
In a brief statement on X, the Embassy confirmed that Mallick and Yoshimasa exchanged views on strengthening collaborative avenues between the two nations. The discussions mark one of Mallick’s key introductory engagements as she prepares to assume her diplomatic responsibilities in Japan.
Earlier this week, Mallick also met Yamaguchi Governor Tsugimasa Muraoka and Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly Speaker Shungaku Yanai to explore ways of enhancing India’s ties with the region. According to the Indian mission, the meeting was attended by Prefectural Assembly members Kenji Niki, Kenjiro Nishimoto, and Shinji Sakamoto, all of whom hold positions within the India-ASEAN Regional Friendship and Economic Exchange Promotion League. The participants reviewed existing areas of cooperation and examined potential avenues for expanding relations with a specific focus on the Yamaguchi Prefecture.
As part of the outreach efforts, the Indian Embassy, in collaboration with Yamaguchi authorities, organised a business seminar designed to present India’s economic trajectory and outline investment opportunities for Japanese stakeholders. The mission said the seminar aimed to provide participants with a clearer understanding of India’s growth landscape and the possibilities for productive synergy between India and Yamaguchi-based industries.
In her opening address at the seminar, Mallick highlighted areas where India and Yamaguchi share economic complementarities. Governor Muraoka acknowledged the Embassy’s coordination in organising the interactive event and emphasised the prefecture’s interest in deepening engagement with India. Assembly Speaker Shungaku Yanai spoke about the formation of a new India–Japan friendship association within the Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly, signalling renewed institutional support for expanding ties.
The seminar also featured presentations by senior officials. Debjani Chakrabarti, Minister (Economic and Commerce) at the Indian Embassy, delivered a briefing on India’s business environment and investment prospects. Haranobu Hara from JETRO’s Global Strategy Team (South Asia), Planning Division, provided insights into India’s economic conditions and current trends among Japanese companies operating in or exploring the Indian market.
In a separate development, the Indian Embassy and members of the Indian community in Japan celebrated Deepavali’s inscription into UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The event, held on Thursday, included cultural performances by members of the diaspora. Deputy Chief of Mission R. Madhu Sudan addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation for the global recognition accorded to the festival.
UNESCO formally announced the inclusion of Deepavali on Wednesday via its official X handle, congratulating India on the new inscription. The recognition marks a significant cultural milestone and was acknowledged enthusiastically by the Indian community in Tokyo.
