Farewell Message by Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki

 
I will be leaving India on September 29th after two years of stay in India, upon my appointment as the Japanese Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
 
When I first arrived in India, it was the finale of a memorable year marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India.
 
2023 was the year of India's G20 Presidency, and there were numerous ministerial visits, as well as visit by former Prime Minister Mr. Yoshihide Suga, President of the Japan-India Association, and two visits by Prime Minister Mr. Fumio Kishida.
 
In 2024, I actively visited various parts of India and enjoyed India's rich culture and history. I also tried to convey my affection for the people of India through social media, while enjoying the street food of various regions in India.
 
Recently, in August, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga visited India, and “2+2” (Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeging) was held in Delhi. In September, Madame Akie Abe, wife of late Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo Abe visited India, and QUAD Summit was held in Wilmington. And now, Japan Month is being celebrated successfully in Delhi and throughout India.
 
The Special Strategic and Global Partnership with India is essential in realising the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”. Over the past two years, I have been blessed to meet with many wonderful people in Delhi and across India.
 
I truly feel that I have been able to advance the cooperative partnership in many fields with India, which is making remarkable economic progress and gaining its importance internationally as a voice representing the Global South.
 
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the friendship and cooperation I have received from all of you. I sincerely hope that Japan-India partnership will continue to flourish in the future.
Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes for your continued good health and future success.