Neiphiu Rio highlighted Nagaland’s historic bond with Japan, stressing youth-focused skill exchange and long-term partnership through Nagaland–Japan Connect.
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DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday evening highlighted the historic and unique nature of Nagaland’s relationship with Japan, describing it as a bond built on reconciliation, trust, and enduring people-to-people connections.
Speaking at a dinner hosted at Chümoukedima, Rio said that the partnership has matured from its origins in shared wartime history into a forward-looking collaboration focused on mutual growth.
Rio recalled that the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Kochi Prefecture in July 2025 marked a key milestone, institutionalising government-to-government cooperation and providing a framework for long-term collaboration. He noted that this sub-national partnership complements the broader strategic relationship between India and Japan, founded on shared democratic values and mutual respect.
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Highlighting Nagaland’s demographic strength, the chief minister said that human capital is the State’s greatest asset, particularly its youth. “Our collaboration with Japan focuses on skill development, structured human resource exchange, and employability. It is not merely about overseas placement, but about building capability, professionalism, and long-term empowerment,” he said. He added that youth working in Japan serve as ambassadors for Nagaland, bringing back discipline, global perspectives, and practical skills that contribute to local development.
Rio also emphasised the social and cultural dimensions of the partnership, noting shared values of community, harmony with nature, and craftsmanship that make the collaboration natural and sustainable. While current engagement focuses on human resource development, he said there is potential to expand into agriculture, agri-tech, entrepreneurship, innovation, and tourism.
The chief minister assured Japanese partners of the state government’s continued policy support and institutional facilitation for long-term cooperation. He praised the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) and the Industries & Commerce Department for anchoring the initiative and said Nagaland–Japan Connect represents a sustained vision to integrate diplomacy, development, and people-to-people engagement.