In a significant diplomatic engagement, an eight-member high-level delegation from Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Wednesday. Led by Deputy Governor Junichi Ishidora, the courtesy call underscored the deepening ties between India and Japan under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly the emerging collaboration between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi. CM Yogi welcomed the delegation, emphasizing that India-Japan relations are rooted not just in diplomacy but in shared values of trust, discipline, innovation, and sustainable development.
‘Uttar Pradesh is fully committed to translating this partnership into tangible outcomes on the ground,’ the Chief Minister affirmed. Discussions highlighted the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024 between the UP government and Yamanashi Prefecture. This agreement lays a robust foundation for cooperation in clean energy—especially green hydrogen—innovation, capacity building, and sustainable industrial growth.
CM Yogi detailed the state’s proactive measures in green hydrogen, including the establishment of centers of excellence for research, innovation, and skill development. He spotlighted the UP Green Hydrogen Policy-2024, which offers a transparent and investor-friendly framework, with implementation overseen by UPEDA (Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency).
A key highlight was the commercial launch of a green hydrogen pilot project in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area, hailed as a major milestone. The Japanese delegation commended the UP government’s efforts in clean energy and expressed keen interest in expanding future collaborations.
The talks also touched on the deep civilizational and cultural bonds between India and Japan, with a special focus on Buddhist heritage and tourism circuits to foster greater people-to-people connections. CM Yogi expressed confidence that this partnership will grow stronger, paving the way for long-term collaboration in green energy, industrial development, innovation, and cultural exchanges.