Meeting Indian Train Drivers in Training
During the journey, PM Modi met several Indian train drivers who are undergoing advanced training with the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). The drivers, part of India’s preparation for its own bullet train project, lined up to greet him. Modi interacted warmly with them and posed for photographs, appreciating their role in shaping India’s high-speed rail future.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, being developed with Japanese technology and financial support, is expected to transform India’s transport infrastructure. The training of Indian personnel in Japan is a critical step toward ensuring operational excellence once the project is launched.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi held discussions with governors of 16 Japanese prefectures in Tokyo. He emphasized the growing role of subnational cooperation, describing state-prefecture ties as a vital pillar of India-Japan friendship. The meeting built on the State-Prefecture Partnership Initiative announced during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi urged both sides to actively explore collaboration in trade, innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and startups. He stressed that regional partnerships can open new avenues for shared growth, investment, and cultural exchange.
Sharing photographs from the meeting, Modi posted on X: “State-prefecture cooperation is a vital pillar of India-Japan friendship. Futuristic sectors like startups, tech, and AI hold immense promise for both sides.”
India-Japan Strategic Collaboration
The visit comes at a time when Japan has committed to investing nearly $68 billion in India over the next decade, focusing on infrastructure, digital technologies, and green energy. Both governments see connectivity projects, including high-speed rail, as central to this cooperation.
Observers note that Modi’s ride on the bullet train was symbolic—representing not only technological exchange but also trust between the two nations. The event showcased India’s readiness to embrace cutting-edge transport solutions and Japan’s willingness to share expertise and training.
The Sendai visit marks another milestone in Modi’s Japan tour, reinforcing the longstanding cultural and economic ties that continue to expand in scope and ambition. Analysts say the emphasis on grassroots-level state-prefecture collaboration ensures the partnership goes beyond national capitals and benefits citizens directly.