India-Japan Tech Synergy: Modi Launches State-Prefecture Partnerships

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened a new chapter in India-Japan relations, calling for technology and innovation partnerships that reach far beyond national capitals. Addressing Governors of Japanese prefectures in Tokyo on Saturday, Modi emphasized that local-to-local cooperation in technology, manufacturing, and startups will define the future growth of both nations.

The Prime Minister drew attention to India’s success in transforming local strengths into drivers of national growth. Flagship initiatives such as One District–One Product, the Aspirational Districts Program, and the Vibrant Villages initiative have been designed to spotlight regional talent and resources. Modi said these efforts are helping unlock opportunities for communities across India, making the country’s development story more inclusive and dynamic.

Japan’s prefectures, he noted, are uniquely positioned to be natural partners in this journey. With some prefectures boasting economies larger than entire nations, they serve as powerhouses of technology, research, and innovation. This makes them an ideal match for India’s states, which are eager to strengthen their role in global supply chains and cutting-edge technology collaborations.

“Let India’s states and Japan’s prefectures co-pilot our shared progress. If these vibrant ecosystems come together—ideas will flow, innovation will grow, and opportunities will unfold,” the Prime Minister said.

Institutionalizing Grassroots Collaboration

To translate this vision into concrete action, Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba jointly launched the State-Prefecture Partnership Initiative. This structured framework will ensure regular engagement between sub-national governments of the two countries. At least three Indian states and three Japanese prefectures will exchange delegations every year, paving the way for stronger cooperation in trade, research, and entrepreneurship.

Existing collaborations are already bearing fruit. Partnerships such as Gujarat with Shizuoka, Uttar Pradesh with Yamanashi, Maharashtra with Wakayama, and Andhra Pradesh with Toyama have provided the foundation for industrial and cultural exchanges. Under the new initiative, these partnerships will expand into deeper, more comprehensive cooperation.

Kansai Business Exchange Forum: Boosting Startups and Investments

One of the most significant announcements during Modi’s visit was the launch of a Business Exchange Forum in Kansai. This dedicated platform will bring Indian and Japanese businesses into direct communication, helping accelerate investments, support joint ventures, and encourage cross-border startup collaborations.

By creating a pipeline for entrepreneurship and skilled workforce exchanges, the forum is expected to unlock new opportunities in fields ranging from advanced manufacturing and digital technologies to green energy and smart infrastructure.

The Prime Minister also unveiled an Action Plan for Education and Skills, a major initiative that aims to facilitate the exchange of 5 lakh individuals between the two countries over the next five years. This plan includes the placement of 50,000 skilled Indian professionals in Japan, addressing talent needs in sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and engineering. Importantly, local governments and prefectures will act as key enablers of these programs, ensuring that partnerships have a direct impact on communities.

Cultural Diplomacy: Blending Craftsmanship and Tradition

The visit also underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy. Gifts exchanged on the occasion symbolized the merging of Indian artistry with Japanese traditions. Modi presented Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba with Ramen bowls crafted from Andhra Pradesh moonstone and Makrana marble, combining India’s ancient craft heritage with Japan’s culinary culture. Ishiba’s spouse received a handwoven Kashmiri Pashmina shawl, elegantly packed in a hand-painted papier-mâché box, representing India’s legacy of fine textiles and traditional art.

A People-Centric Roadmap for the Amrit Kaal

In his closing remarks, Modi stressed that the strength of the India-Japan partnershipmust lie in people and communities rather than just in national capitals. He envisioned a future where local voices and regional aspirations play a central role in shaping bilateral cooperation.

“Tokyo and Delhi can take the lead. But let Kanagawa and Karnataka give voice, let Aichi and Assam dream together, and let Okayama and Odisha build the future.”

With this people-centric and technology-driven roadmap, India and Japan are poised to expand their relationship from boardrooms and government offices to grassroots innovation hubs and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The emphasis on state-prefecture collaboration signals a major shift—making technology, skills, and startups the cornerstone of India-Japan ties in the Amrit Kaal.