It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Yagi Koji, Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, at my office. I sincerely thank him for his kind appreciation of my long-standing political career.

During our conversation, Mr. Koji expressed a strong interest in enhancing bilateral relations between Japan, India, and the state of Maharashtra, with a particular focus on exploring new opportunities in trade and the economy. He highlighted the limited availability of land in Mumbai as a challenge for investment, and considering the historic trade relations between Kobe (Japan) and Mumbai dating back to 1892 he emphasized Japan’s continued interest in working closely in and around Mumbai.

In response, I suggested alternative regions such as Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where ample land and infrastructure support can be made available for Japanese investments.

Mr. Koji also shared common security concerns and conveyed Japan’s willingness to strengthen strategic ties with India. I truly appreciated his insightful understanding of the current political landscape in Maharashtra.

He had previously visited the fertile farmlands of Akluj and expressed a keen desire to witness Baramati’s development firsthand. I am also grateful to him for warmly extending an invitation to me and my daughter, Smt. Supriya Sule, to visit his residence.

Mr. Yagi burst with laughter and surprise when I showed him a photograph of my younger self with former Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Eisaku Sato, taken during my visit to Japan in my youth.

– Sharad Pawar, President of Nationalist Congress Party