UKHRUL: The proposed visit of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Assam next month has been called off, with her maiden official trip to India now expected to focus entirely on engagements in New Delhi.
The Japanese leader is scheduled to visit India from July 1 to July 3. Earlier discussions had included Guwahati as a possible destination, reflecting Japan’s growing interest in Northeast India. However, recent developments indicate that the Assam programme has been removed from the itinerary.
Reports suggest that constraints arising from Prime Minister Takaichi’s commitments in Japan have played a key role in the decision. With parliamentary proceedings underway in Tokyo and a limited time frame available for the overseas visit, planners have reportedly opted for a streamlined schedule centred on the national capital.
A Delhi-based programme is expected to facilitate a series of bilateral meetings and official engagements aimed at advancing cooperation between the two countries. India and Japan have steadily deepened ties in recent years, particularly in strategic infrastructure projects, technology partnerships, defence collaboration and connectivity initiatives.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed on Monday that the visit to the state would no longer take place. He said the information was conveyed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to the Assam Chief Secretary late in the evening.
“The Foreign Secretary communicated that the proposed visit of the Prime Minister of Japan has been cancelled due to logistical issues. However, the visit will now be confined to New Delhi only. We have also been assured that the proposed investment summit will be held on a mutually agreed date,” Sarma stated.
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The Chief Minister noted that the state government had not received a detailed explanation regarding the cancellation and would seek further information from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Sarma expressed disappointment over the development, pointing out that preparations for the visit had been underway for several weeks. Teams associated with the Japanese Embassy had reportedly been stationed in Guwahati, overseeing arrangements related to accommodation, hospitality and security.
He further remarked that this was not the first time Assam had missed the opportunity to host a Japanese Prime Minister, recalling that a similar proposal several years ago did not materialise.
While refraining from drawing conclusions about the reasons behind the decision, Sarma said he hoped to obtain greater clarity during future discussions with senior officials in New Delhi.
Despite the cancellation, the Assam government remains optimistic about strengthening economic ties with Japan. Officials believe the proposed investment summit could provide another platform to attract Japanese interest in the state’s development and investment opportunities.
Prime Minister Takaichi’s visit is expected to mark an important chapter in India-Japan relations, with both sides looking to expand cooperation across a wide range of sectors and strategic priorities.
