India and Japan have emerged close strategic partners, particularly in the current decade. They are cooperating for the economic development of India’s landlocked North East Region through connectivity building and infrastructure projects. The Modi government’s Act East policy has been a major impetus in the flow of Japanese assistance.
Japan’s involvement in the North East began under the UPA government (2004–2014), including Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) in 2010. During the Modi government, this cooperation became more substantial and was included in policy. The North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project, which will concentrate on significant projects in Meghalaya and Mizoram, is being funded in part by a 67 billion yen ($610 million) grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which signed a contract with New Delhi in April 2017.
Even before the Act East Forum was established, Japan prioritised connectivity “and other economic infrastructure… talent development, (and) community empowerment,” according to a statement from Kenji Hiramatsu, the Japanese ambassador to India. Collaboration with local NGOs through its grant aid for the grassroots projects programme to construct health clinics and career centres is a significant aspect of Japanese cooperation. Currently, Japan decided to invest 205.784 billion Yen ($1.8 billion) in new development projects across the North East in June 2019.
Development apart, soft power is being increasingly deployed to coopt the youth and other segments of communities in building the bridges of friendship.