SHILLONG: Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Horii Iwao is visiting Shillong on February 27 to participate in and address the Kizuna-6 Conclave, marking one of the first high-level engagements by a senior representative of Japan’s newly formed government with India’s Northeast region.
The conclave is being hosted by Asian Confluence in collaboration with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Embassy of Japan in India, and the Government of Meghalaya.
Minister Horii will deliver the Keynote Address on Day Two of the international dialogue, which brings together diplomats, policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, and public representatives to deepen India–Japan cooperation in the Northeast.
The conclave was inaugurated on February 26 by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, while Japan’s Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono is also scheduled to participate alongside senior officials from government and industry.
“Kizuna,” meaning deep heart-to-heart connection, is an annual strategic dialogue curated by Asian Confluence to strengthen partnerships between India and Japan, particularly across the Northeast and the Bay of Bengal region.
The sixth edition of the conclave will feature high-level India–Japan leadership discussions aimed at expanding strategic cooperation, along with business roundtables focusing on the semiconductor ecosystem, clean energy, circular economy, and skill development sectors.
Industry–government engagements involving leading Japanese and Indian corporations, development agencies, and policy representatives from India, Japan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal are also part of the programme. Delegates will additionally undertake site visits to emerging investment hubs, including the upcoming semiconductor facility in neighbouring Assam.
Since its inception, the Kizuna Conclave has evolved into a key platform for advancing India–Japan engagement in Northeast India. The visit by the senior Japanese delegation is viewed as a strong signal of Tokyo’s renewed political commitment to deepen cooperation in connectivity, resilient supply chains, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable development.
The conclave is expected to further strengthen the long-standing India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, reinforcing shared visions for regional growth and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
