We also have several initiatives involving northeast [India]: A practical reader guide

India has a “very strong partnership” with Japan, and bilateral projects involving the northeastern States will be “further strengthened”, Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said on Wednesday (October 28, 2026). The comments came hours after Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi agreed to “enhance connectivity in the region”, and signed agreements that will pave the way for additional Japanese assistance to Bangladesh’s Matarbari deep sea port, which will connect with northeast India.

“We have very strong partnership with Japan. We also have several initiatives involving northeast [India] and Japan, and we would like to further strengthen these linkages,” Mr. The Japanese language was being taught to the working population in the northeastern States as part of these initiatives, he added. A joint statement issued during Mr.

Jaiswal said. “It will also give a boost to the Japan-India economic partnership here in India as well,” Mr. Northeastern States were also receiving assistance from Japan as part of that larger bilateral framework, he said. Rahman’s visit has included the agreement on the Matarbari port under the “connectivity” section, and highlights Japan’s intention to intensify work on the port. “To sustain rapid economic growth, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to steadily advance cooperation aimed at further strengthening connectivity in the region,” the joint statement said, adding, “Based on the ’BIG-B (Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt) for Shared Prosperity’, they concurred on working together to develop the Matarbari-Maheshkhali area as a major hub for logistics, energy and industry, centred at the Matarbari Deep Sea Port.”