JICA Celebrates As India Commemorates 77th Independence Day

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) extends its congratulations to India on the completion of 76 years of its Independence. JICA India proudly acknowledges its enduring dedication to promoting all-encompassing progress and contributing to India's advancement. With India leading the G20 Summit in 2023, JICA eagerly anticipates strengthening mutual collaboration, jointly addressing worldwide challenges, and contributing to the creation of a harmonious, secure, and thriving global community.

JICA's partnership with India manifests in various ways, encompassing technical collaboration, loans, grant financing, and other avenues. Through this comprehensive strategy, significant advancements are being nurtured across vital sectors such as transportation, water, hygiene, energy, forestry, agriculture, healthcare, and education. JICA reiterates its unwavering commitment to continuing its assistance to India in its pursuit of forging a prosperous future for both nations and the global populace.

Speaking at this event, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of the JICA India Office, remarked, "India, as one of the globe's major democracies, has established itself prominently on the world stage. Japan stands firmly by its side as a reliable ally in its pursuit of a sustainable and secure future. I want to emphasize JICA's resolute dedication to assisting India as it advances toward achieving social and economic growth. This year holds particular significance for both Japan and India, with their respective leadership roles in the G7 and G20 in 2023 and their collaborative efforts across diverse sectors in the global arena.

This situation offers an excellent chance to further enhance and advocate for our already successful mutual partnership. Consequently, it presents an opportune moment to collaborate within international frameworks on subjects like the circular economy, resource efficiency, low-carbon technology, and green hydrogen, among others. My sincere congratulations to India on its 77th anniversary of Independence."

During the fiscal year 2022-23, JICA India achieved a remarkable feat by reaching a significant milestone with its highest-ever loan agreement totaling 567,487 million JPY. This achievement stands as a testament to its unwavering dedication to promoting India's progress. These accomplishments encompass the Patna Metro Rail Construction Project (I), the endeavor for Forest and Biodiversity Conservation for Climate Change Response in West Bengal, the Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project (II), and the initiative for the Construction of Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (IV).

Building upon the achievements of the previous fiscal year, JICA is on track to conclude several noteworthy ongoing projects in the upcoming FY 2023-24. These encompass the substantial ODA loan of INR 1,927 crore allocated to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) project (III) in Maharashtra, the NH208 Kailashahar-Khowai road as part of the Northeast Connectivity Improvement Project in Tripura, the Tamil Nadu Urban Health Improvement Project, the Project for the Development of an Intelligent Transport System in Bengaluru, and the Bihar National Highway Improvement Project. The realm of education remains a pivotal focus, with various initiatives at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) nearing completion.

As India commemorates its 77th Independence Day, JICA persistently pioneers comprehensive development in the face of global challenges. Its commitment to nurturing lasting partnerships and propelling sustainable advancement for both India and the world remains steadfast.