India-Japan Act East Forum Advances Regional Cooperation in Key Sectors

New Delhi:  India and Japan convened the seventh meeting of the India-Japan Act East Forum (AEF) in New Delhi on 19 February 2024, demonstrating their commitment to bolstering collaboration in the North Eastern Region of India. Chaired by India’s Foreign Secretary, Mr. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and Japan’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki, the meeting brought together representatives from relevant Central Government Ministries, implementing organizations, and State Governments from the North Eastern Region. Japanese participants included representatives from the Embassy of Japan and Japanese government institutions in Delhi.

Established in 2014 after discussions between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the Act East Forum serves two primary objectives: the development of the Northeastern Region of India and the promotion of connectivity within the region and with South-East Asia.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the progress of cross-border surveys aimed at enhancing trade and logistics between India and Bangladesh through the North East. Additionally, ongoing projects in various sectors were assessed, encompassing connectivity, new and renewable energy, urban development, forest management, skill development, agriculture, fisheries, healthcare, disaster-resilient infrastructure, agro-industries, tourism, cultural exchange, and Japanese language education.

The Act East Forum has emerged as a crucial mechanism for fostering collaboration in key sectors, reflecting the shared commitment of India and Japan to regional development. The discussions not only assessed the strides made in existing projects but also explored potential new areas for cooperation, highlighting the dynamic nature of the partnership.

The collaborative efforts under the Act East Forum underscore the strategic importance both nations place on regional development and connectivity, fostering not only economic growth but also people-to-people ties and cultural exchange. As India and Japan continue to strengthen their ties, the Act East Forum remains a cornerstone for advancing shared objectives in the North Eastern Region of India and promoting regional connectivity.