Strengthening the Indo-Japan Pivot: CM Yogi Adityanath and Yamanashi Governor Forge Strategic Ties

New Delhi, February 26, 2026: In a landmark move to accelerate Uttar Pradesh’s journey toward becoming a $1 trillion economy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath engaged in high-level strategic talks with Governor Kotaro Nagasaki of Yamanashi Prefecture. The meeting, held on February 26, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in the “Next Generation State-Prefecture Partnership,” focusing on green energy, industrial innovation, and cultural exchange.

The visit is part of the Chief Minister’s maiden official tour of Japan, aimed at positioning Uttar Pradesh (UP) as India’s premier destination for global investment.

Green Hydrogen: The Cornerstone of Collaboration

A central theme of the discussions was the transition to sustainable energy. CM Yogi visited the Komekurayama Hydrogen Facility, a world-class site utilizing advanced Power-to-Gas (P2G) technology.

• Technology Exchange: The Chief Minister lauded Yamanashi’s model of using solar power to produce emission-free hydrogen.
• Centre of Excellence: Following a proposal from Governor Nagasaki, UP has launched a major initiative to develop IIT Kanpur as a Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen.
• Industrial Scale-up: Plans are underway to establish a pilot green hydrogen project in the Bundelkhand region (Jhansi) to mirror Yamanashi’s success.

Investment Boom: MoUs Worth ₹11,000 Crore Signed

The strategic talks were backed by concrete economic commitments. Several Japanese giants formalized their interest in Uttar Pradesh, signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) totaling approximately ₹11,000 crore.

To facilitate these investments, the UP government is moving forward with the creation of “Japan City“—a dedicated 500-acre industrial township in Greater Noida (Sector 5A) designed to provide a “home-away-from-home” ecosystem for Japanese firms.

Cultural and Educational Synergy

Beyond industrial ties, the delegation focused on deep-rooted civilizational links. The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the Buddhist Circuit in UP, which serves as a spiritual bridge between the two nations.

• Education: CM Yogi visited the Yamanashi Public School, interacting with students and exploring vocational training collaborations.
• 200-CEO Delegation: In a significant development, Governor Nagasaki accepted an invitation to lead a delegation of 200 Japanese CEOs to Uttar Pradesh in August 2026 to further accelerate investment momentum.

The Road Ahead

As Uttar Pradesh continues to leverage its status as India’s largest consumer market (250 million people), this partnership with Yamanashi is expected to serve as a blueprint for sub-national diplomacy. By aligning with Japan’s technological prowess, the Yogi administration is not just seeking capital, but a long-term transfer of innovation that ensures environmental responsibility alongside industrial growth.