From golgappas to diplomacy: A look at Japan PM Fumio Kishida's India visit, talks with PM Modi

It was a day full of diplomacy and Indian delicacies as Indian PM Narendra Modi hosted his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida in New Delhi on Monday.

The duo discussed boosting India-Japan ties in defence, healthcare, technology, and other sectors.

On a lighter note, PM Modi and Kishida were also seen enjoying famous Indian delicacies like golgappas, lassi and aam panna in the capital’s Buddha Jayanti Park. Videos and pictures of the duo have gone viral on social media.

Japan PM Fumio Kishida enjoys a taste of India as he relishes delicious golgappas! pic.twitter.com/2odktWSrHw

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 20, 2023

The park was developed to celebrate the 2,500th anniversary of Gautam Buddha’s birth.

My friend PM @kishida230 enjoyed Indian snacks including Golgappas. pic.twitter.com/rXtQQdD7Ki

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2023

In a tweet, PM Modi said, “one of the aspects which connect India and Japan is the teachings of Lord Buddha.”

One of the aspects which connects India and Japan is the teachings of Lord Buddha.

PM @kishida230 and I went to the Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. Sharing some glimpses. pic.twitter.com/DL64YUQqdg

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2023

Keeping the focus on the Buddhist heritage, PM Modi gifted a sandalwood Buddha statue encased in a ‘kadamwood jali box’ to Kishida who is in India on a state visit.

The artwork is associated with the rich heritage of Karnataka, PTI reported.

Officials told the news agency the art of sandalwood carving is an exquisite and ancient craft that has been practiced in the southern Indian state for centuries, and this craft involves carving intricate designs into blocks of fragrant sandalwood, creating intricate sculptures, figurines and other decorative items.

Sandalwood tree (Santalum album), a species native to India, has been an important part of Indian culture for centuries, and it is widely regarded as one of the most valuable and prized woods in the world.

PM Modi, Kishida discuss Ukraine & Indo-Pacific

Apart from discussions on bilateral and historic ties, the duo also held talks on the Russia-Ukraine war.

Hours after the talks, Kishida unveiled his government’s much-awaited plan for a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ and came down heavily on Russia for its aggression against Ukraine saying it triggered a fundamental challenge to defend peace.

The Japanese prime minister described India as an “indispensable partner” for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and underlined the importance of preventing coercion and upholding a rules-based international order in the region.

According to Japanese officials, the two leaders also discussed the Ukraine conflict as well as its implications.

In his media statement, Modi said the India-Japan global partnership is based on shared democratic values and respect for the rule of law and promotes peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

In their talks, the leaders largely focused on significantly boosting cooperation in areas of clean energy, semiconductors and co-development of military hardware besides exploring ways to deal with regional security challenges amidst the increasing assertiveness of China.

“The India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is based on our shared democratic values, and respect for the rule of law in the international arena,” Modi said in his media statement.

Addressing the press meet with PM @kishida230. https://t.co/E1SIY7MlkA

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2023

“Strengthening this partnership is not only important for both our countries, but it also promotes peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In our conversation today, we have reviewed the progress made in our bilateral relations,” he added.

Modi conveyed to Kishida that one of the areas of very strong cooperation between India and Japan could be co-innovation, co-design co-creation in the defence manufacturing sector, officials said.

The two leaders also discussed India’s G20 presidency and Japan’s G7 presidency and agreed on the importance of including views of the Global South in both processes.

Held excellent talks with PM @kishida230. We discussed boosting India-Japan ties in sectors like defence, healthcare, technology, and other issues. We also discussed ways to increase competitiveness in logistics, food processing, MSME, textiles and more.