Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome upon his arrival in Tokyo on Friday, with members of the Indian diaspora in the city expressing excitement and pride over the PM’s visit.
From IT professionals to entrepreneurs, many believe PM Modi’s presence will strengthen bilateral ties, boost trade, and open new opportunities.
PM Modi embarked on a significant diplomatic tour of Japan and China starting Thursday.
On August 29 and 30, PM Modi will participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba. This high-level meeting is expected to focus on strategic, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
Vikas Ranjan, who is working in Japan’s IT sector, said, “We are genuinely excited about PM Modi’s visit. His leadership has brought India-Japan relations to a new level. Japan has welcomed Indian IT professionals in large numbers, and our community is thriving.”
Amit Kundu, an IT professional in Tokyo for three years, believes the deepening of India-Japan ties will lead to expanded job creation. “More doors will open for skilled Indians in Japan. Modi is respected globally — no other PM has positioned India on the world stage like this,” he said.
He also viewed the US tariffs as a hidden advantage. “This is a blessing in disguise. India now has the chance to explore new markets in the East. Our fruits, agricultural products, and other goods can find buyers in Japan and beyond,” Kundu added.
Rohan Agrawal, who has lived in Japan for 19 years, said, “Whenever PM Modi comes to Japan, I make sure to see him. The world now views India differently. In the past 11 years, we’ve evolved, and people everywhere believe that the future belongs to India.”
He emphasised the importance of language skills in tapping job markets. “If we promote Japanese language learning in India, more people can come and work here. That’s the forward-thinking we need,” he said.
Amit Gundecha, who has lived in Tokyo for 10 years, said he hopes to meet PM Modi during this visit, as he had done earlier. “Business opportunities in Japan are tremendous. PM Modi’s visit will definitely result in some landmark agreements,” he said.
Another member of the Indian diaspora, a woman attending the community event, said, “PM Modi has raised India’s global standing. His work to strengthen India’s ties with countries like Japan is inspiring.” Another woman added, “PM Modi is very determined — once he decides to do something, he makes sure it happens. That’s the quality I admire most in him.”
In response to recent US tariffs on Indian exports, many Indians living in Japan view PM Modi’s firm stand as a sign of India’s rising global assertiveness. “PM Modi’s strong stance against unfair US tariffs shows India is no longer afraid to assert itself,” said Ranjan. “We’re not just reacting — we’re leading,” members of the Indian diaspora said.
Following his Japan visit, PM Modi will travel to Tianjin, China, where he will attend the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on August 31 and September 1. The Indian diaspora and business communities are closely following the visit in both countries.
As PM Modi prepares to engage in two critical diplomatic engagements — the India-Japan Summit and the SCO Heads of State meeting in China, the Indian diaspora and global observers alike are watching closely. Whether it’s business, culture, or geopolitics, expectations are high that India under PM Modi will continue to chart a bold and confident path on the world stage.
(With inputs from agency)