Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday held high-level discussions with Japan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Iwao Horii, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in connectivity, investment and technology-led development.
The meeting centred on policy support and the creation of a robust semiconductor ecosystem around the Tata OSAT facility in Jagiroad, seen as a key driver of Assam’s emerging electronics and manufacturing landscape.
Both sides also explored opportunities for skill development in advanced technologies and Japanese language training for local youth.
I am deeply grateful to H.E. Iwao Horii @iwaonarajp, Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, for his visit to Assam. His decision to travel to Guwahati soon after the formation of the new government reflects the growing importance of Assam in the broader India–Japan… pic.twitter.com/txtoOWF2ux
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 27, 2026
Expressing appreciation for the visit, Sarma said the Japanese minister’s presence in Guwahati soon after the formation of the new government in Japan reflected Assam’s growing strategic importance within the broader India–Japan partnership.
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He noted that Japanese companies had shown strong interest in developing a semiconductor cluster around the Tata facility, which would not only boost industrial growth but also open new avenues for employment and technical education in the state.
The Chief Minister’s Office said Japan’s Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono, accompanied Horii during the visit.
According to the CMO, the discussions also focused on enhancing connectivity and leveraging the Act East policy to position Assam as a major investment destination for Japanese enterprises.
The engagement is being seen as a significant step in deepening economic and strategic ties between Assam and Japan, particularly in high-technology sectors and infrastructure development.
