"A New Golden Chapter": Hitomi Sato on India–Japan Relations, Innovation and the Indo-Pacific

As Japan and India enter a new phase of strategic cooperation across infrastructure, technology, economic security and people-to-people engagement, experienced diplomats continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of this evolving partnership. In this exclusive conversation with Japancalling.in, Hitomi Sato, the new Consul-General of Japan in Mumbai, reflects on her long association with India, the transformation of bilateral ties over the past two decades, and the opportunities that lie ahead for the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

As Japan and India continue to elevate their “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” to new heights, the role of experienced diplomats in strengthening this enduring relationship has become extremely significant. The appointment of Hitomi Sato as the new Consul-General of Japan in Mumbai carries particular importance. A seasoned diplomat with deep familiarity with India, Sato brings with her decades of experience in Japan–India relations, economic cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and people-to-people engagement.

This marks her fourth diplomatic assignment in India and her first posting in Mumbai. Having studied Hindi in Allahabad and spent nearly two years pursuing education in India, Sato developed a profound understanding of Indian society and culture early in her career. Over the years, she has served for nearly a decade at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi and has worked extensively on key bilateral drives and major infrastructure collaborations such as the landmark Dedicated Freight Corridor project.

Her diplomatic journey also includes assignments within Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly in the International Cooperation Bureau, where she contributed to strengthening Japan’s long-term developmental partnership with India.

In this exclusive and candid conversation with Peeush Srivastava, Managing Editor of Japancalling.in, Sato reflects on her long association with India, the remarkable transformation of India–Japan ties over the last two decades, and her priorities as she begins her new assignment in Mumbai.

Q. Having served in India multiple times, how has each posting enriched your understanding of India–Japan relations?

A. I have worked in India for 11 and a half years over the past decades and have witnessed significant advancements and expansion in bilateral relations, despite several ups and downs.

However, over the last twenty years, especially since the Prime Minister-level annual mutual visits were agreed upon at the 2006 Summit, I have seen remarkable progress and a deepening of bilateral relations across various fields. I believe Japan-India relations have been transforming rapidly and undergoing dramatic changes. Our bilateral ties are rooted in stability, a forward-looking approach, and mutual benefit, even against the backdrop of uncertainties in a rapidly changing world.

Speaking from my own experience in handling Japan-India bilateral relations, I have participated in work across various fields, involving numerous projects and visits in both Tokyo and Delhi. One project particularly stands out for me, which was of an ODA (Official Development Assistance).

At the time, I was serving in the International Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo after my second stint in India, and I was involved in the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project from its early planning stages through to the launch of the Yen-loan project. For us, the DFC was the second flagship project after the Delhi Metro.

Now, after almost two decades, I will finally be able to witness the completion of the project during my tenure in Mumbai. Once completed, the DFC is expected to make a transformative contribution to India’s logistics environment. I am very happy to see the steady progress of this project and look forward to its swift completion in the near future.

Q. As you begin this new assignment, what immediate priorities will guide your work at the Consulate?

A. The first and foremost responsibility of the Consulate-General of Japan is to ensure the safety and security of Japanese nationals residing in the five states under our jurisdiction, namely Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, and Chhattisgarh, and to support the business activities of Japanese private entities, thereby enabling the further strengthening of economic relations between the two countries.

We also prioritise promoting people-to-people exchanges at various levels. Of late, prefectural governments in Japan have shown exceptional interest in strengthening such exchanges and revitalising relations with Indian states, which is expected to open new avenues for Indians and Japanese to work together more closely.

Another crucial area of cooperation is skill development through ITIs, supported by Japanese private companies. In line with the ambitious Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, cooperation in the infrastructure sector through training and skilling workers will eventually create a mutually beneficial environment for businesses in both countries.

In 2025, the number of Indian visitors to Japan is estimated at 3,15,100, the highest-ever figure, marking a staggering increase of 35.2% compared to previous years. This sharp rise reflects the growing interest about Japan among Indians. Every year, more Indians are getting the opportunity to visit and experience Japan firsthand.

I believe that, at the grassroots level, it remains essential for both sides to deepen mutual understanding and knowledge of each other’s history, culture, habits, traditions, and values, while discarding stereotypes and forming opinions based on first-hand experiences. In my capacity, I will do my best to facilitate deeper mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges, encouraging both sides to know each other better.

Q. Which sectors—such as infrastructure, renewable energy, or advanced technology—do you see as most promising for future collaboration?

A. After assuming my new post and meeting several Japanese people based in Mumbai, I have learned that, over the last several years, the activities of Japanese private companies have expanded actively and become increasingly diversified. They are now working across multiple sectors such as finance, insurance, retail, information and communications, logistics, and real estate, going beyond their traditional focus on manufacturing.

Technology is advancing at a remarkable pace, resulting in significant cultural shifts. If you observe the younger generation, both in Japan and India, you will notice that many young people aspire to become entrepreneurs and lead start-up companies. There is tremendous potential for the younger generations of both countries to cooperate with each other while leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including even space technologies.

I visited the Mumbai Comic Con last weekend and interacted with many youngsters. Their creativity, particularly in the content industry, is expected to continue growing and make a greater impact in the global arena.

Q. What initiatives do you envision to deepen cultural, educational, and people-to-people ties between Japan and India?

A. We will focus on strengthening our bilateral relations by promoting people-to-people exchanges between Indian states and Japanese prefectures. We will also work to enhance cooperation between universities and promote skill training in India supported by Japanese technology and precision.

Next year, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and both sides are planning to host commemorative events in India and Japan to mark this significant milestone. We look forward to coordinating and cooperating with the Embassy in New Delhi, the Consulates-General of Japan in Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru, as well as private companies and Japanese nationals, to ensure that these events have a far-reaching impact.

Q. How do you see India–Japan cooperation contributing to stability and resilience in the Indo-Pacific and beyond?

A. Under the robust bilateral relationship based on the “Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” the two countries continue to witness the advancement of substantive and cooperative ties. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited to Japan in August 2025, the “Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade” was launched with the aim of expanding cooperation across diverse domains such as security, including economic security, economy, investment and innovation, including AI, and people-to-people exchanges.

As Prime Minister Modi noted, this partnership marked the opening of a “new golden chapter” in a mutually complementary relationship. In addition to bilateral ties, Japan and India are members of the QUAD, alongside Australia and the United States, and remain committed to safeguarding a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP). Such multi-layered initiatives contribute to an international order based on “freedom,” “openness,” “diversity,” “inclusiveness,” and “the rule of law” in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Against the backdrop of a diplomatically sensitive and economically challenging environment arising from the recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, Japan and India, as leading democracies in Asia, are expected to play an even greater role in ensuring stability and resilience in the region. As this year marks the tenth anniversary of Japan’s FOIP drive, the country has renewed its commitment to advancing these efforts while working closely with India and other like-minded partners to build a more resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Q. What message would you like to share with Indian businesses, academia, and communities as you begin this new posting?

A. Japan-India relations are not only positive but also visionary, though there remains immense potential for further expansion. At the Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai, we are doing our utmost to assist and facilitate amicable people-to-people exchanges, promote business cooperation, and help resolve issues faced by Japanese companies.

The year 2027 will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. We hope to leverage this historic milestone and use the commemorative year to further promote mutual understanding and move together toward a mutually beneficial and bright future.