Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with a Japanese delegation led by Mr. Junichi Ishidera, Vice Governor of Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, to explore ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership.
The meeting took place at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Lucknow and focused on expanding collaboration between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi under the broader framework of India–Japan relations.
Focus on India–Japan Strategic Partnership
During the discussions, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that India–Japan relations go beyond diplomacy and are deeply rooted in shared values such as mutual trust, discipline, innovation and sustainable development. He reiterated Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to translating this partnership into tangible outcomes at the grassroots level.
The eight-member Japanese delegation emphasized the importance of enhancing sub-national cooperation, especially between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi Prefecture.
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Emphasis on Green Hydrogen and Clean Energy Cooperation
A key focus of the meeting was the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024 between the Uttar Pradesh government and Yamanashi Prefecture. The MoU provides a roadmap for collaboration in clean energy, particularly green hydrogen, as well as innovation, capacity building and sustainable industrial development.
The Chief Minister noted that centres of excellence have been established in Uttar Pradesh to promote research, innovation and skill development in the green hydrogen sector.
Investor-Friendly Green Hydrogen Policy
Yogi Adityanath highlighted the Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy 2024, which aims to create a transparent, investor-friendly ecosystem for clean energy projects. He said the policy is being implemented by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA).
He also pointed to the commencement of commercial operations of a green hydrogen pilot project in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region as a major milestone for the state.
Japanese Delegation Praises UP’s Initiatives
The Japanese delegation appreciated Uttar Pradesh’s proactive approach in promoting clean energy and sustainable development. They expressed keen interest in expanding future cooperation, particularly in green hydrogen, innovation and industrial growth.
Strengthening Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Beyond economic and energy cooperation, discussions also covered the deep civilisational and cultural connections between India and Japan. Special emphasis was placed on strengthening people-to-people ties through Buddhist heritage and the Buddhist tourism circuit.
Looking Ahead
Expressing optimism, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi Prefecture would continue to deepen in the coming years. He added that the partnership would provide new momentum to long-term collaboration in green energy, industrial development, innovation and cultural exchange.
