Delhi And Fukuoka 'Friendship Agreement' For Strengthening In Culture

The Delhi government and Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture have extended their 'Friendship Agreement' for another three years, with an emphasis on collaboration in areas such as the environment, culture, tourism, heritage, education, and youth exchange. To mark the 15th anniversary of their twinning arrangement, a 35-member team visited Delhi and met with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, including Fukuoka Vice-Governor Akie Omagari.

Delhi And Fukuoka Friendship Agreement: History

The original agreement, which was signed on March 5, 2007, has now been extended until March 31, 2026. Chief Minister Kejriwal highlighted that the partnership between the two entities is more than just a city-to-city agreement; it is a spiritual affinity and long-lasting cultural connection. 

India - Japan Relations:

• Over the years, India and Japan have had a cordial relationship.
• Because of rising strategic convergence, India-Japan contacts have grown in importance, as has the Indo-Pacific region's common outlook on issues of peace, security, and stability.
• Tri-Service Exchanges between Japan and India have now been formalized, completing the triad. Since 2006, the Coast Guard has had annual exchanges.
• For India-Japan Relations, Technology and Innovative Collaboration
• In 2015, India and Japan signed a cooperation agreement for the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• India Rare Earths Limited (IREL) and Toyotsu Rare Earths India (TREI) have reached an agreement to provide rare earth chloride. 
• India and Japan have formed a digital alliance to collaborate on advanced technologies such as AI, 5G, IoT, and space exploration. It was unveiled in October 2018 during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan.
• Japan continues to invest in Northeast India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to strengthen economic relations.  

Exercises between India and Japan:

• The India-Japan joint military exercise "EX DHARMA GUARDIAN" took place at Camp Imazu in Shiga Province, Japan, from February 17 to March 2, 2023.
• The Indian Navy hosted the seventh edition of the bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2023 (JIMEX 23) from July 5 to July 10, 2023. JIMEX was celebrating its 11th anniversary since its establishment in 2012.