Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, continuing his international outreach, paid homage to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo earlier this week. This visit marks another step in strengthening the relationship between India and Japan, rooted in deep historical, cultural, and civilizational ties.
The Chief Minister’s visit to Tokyo is seen as part of India’s broader strategic outreach to Japan, with the two countries sharing a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership.” Japan-India relations are based on a rich history, intertwined through hcultural exchanges and historical connections.
These ties date back to 752 AD, with Indian monk Bodhisena’s contribution to the consecration of the Todaiji Temple’s Buddha statue in Nara. The legacy of Indian figures like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and others has also helped cement the historica bond.