As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his first visit to Japan following the United States’ imposition of a steep 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, India’s Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, said on Thursday that the two countries will engage on a wide array of geopolitical and geo-economic topics. He also underscored Japan’s continued significance as a reliable economic partner for India.
Pointing to the strategic relevance of India-Japan relations in today's global context, Ambassador Sibi George said to IANS, "We live in a world today with multiple geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. India and Japan are two major players in the Indo-Pacific and international space. When the world's fourth and fifth-largest economies get together, the agenda will obviously involve a vast range of matters."
When queried about the likelihood of India and Japan together pushing back against the economic weight of the US tariffs, George presented a positive vision on the possible outcome of robust bilateral cooperation.
"I do not wish to get into the details of what is going to be discussed. But as leaders of two important economies, both Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba would definitely address important global and regional issues, including those of economic importance," he said.
Regarding the issue of Japan's possible support for Indian exports rerouted from the US market, George referred to the established economic relationship between the two countries.
Japan has always been a key partner in our economic trajectory. As we stride towards becoming a developed country by 2047—our Amrit Kaal—Japan is taking this journey with us. They have remained stable and reliable economically. Recently, our Prime Minister opened an electric vehicle plant by Suzuki Motors, an automobile company that arrived in India 40 years back and revolutionized our automobile industry," he said to IANS.
He further said, "Japanese businesses continue to be at the center of India's growth story. In this relationship, Japan will be an extremely crucial partner. We will continue to work together to strengthen and intensify this interaction."
The 25 percent additional tariff on Indian imports took effect on August 27, lifting the overall US tariff to 50 percent. This action puts at risk $45 billion of Indian exports in core industries like textiles, gems, and jewellery that employ a large chunk of India's labor force.
The move by the United States to slap these tariffs is also set to have its impact on the economy of America, a recent State Bank of India report asserts.
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