The proposed visit of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Guwahati from July 1 to 3 has been cancelled due to “logistical issues”, according to sources familiar with the itinerary of the Japanese delegation. The India-Japan annual summit, which was scheduled to be held in Assam’s capital, is now likely to take place in New Delhi on the same dates.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to host Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her first official visit to India. Sources said the decision to shift the venue was taken after considering her tight schedule, including commitments related to the ongoing session of the Japanese Parliament (Diet).
According to officials, the limited time available between her arrival and departure, along with additional logistical arrangements required for a visit outside the national capital, made the Guwahati programme difficult to manage.
The change in venue is also expected to allow both countries to include additional programmes aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
The proposed Guwahati visit had generated significant expectations in Assam, as it was seen as a major opportunity to attract Japanese investment to the state. A delegation of around 50 Japanese companies was expected to accompany the Prime Minister.
The discussions were expected to focus on investment opportunities, supply chain cooperation, semiconductor industries, renewable energy, defence collaboration, critical minerals, automobiles and strategic energy security.
The Assam Government had been preparing to showcase the state’s infrastructure, connectivity network and investment potential as part of India’s Act East Policy.
Meanwhile, the cancellation of the Guwahati programme has triggered discussions in Assam following the controversy over the partial removal of a portrait of singer Zubeen Garg from a pillar beneath the Ganeshguri flyover.
Ahead of the proposed Japanese Prime Minister’s visit, the state government had undertaken beautification works across Guwahati. A plan was made to give the city a purple theme, and government walls, flyovers and other public structures were being painted in purple colour.
During this work, a controversy erupted after workers began painting over a pillar beneath the Ganeshguri flyover where a portrait of Zubeen Garg had been painted. The portrait was reportedly partially erased during the painting process.
The incident led to reactions from Zubeen Garg’s wife Garima Garg, who posted on social media expressing her displeasure over the removal of the portrait. Following the post, some fans of the singer gathered beneath the flyover and protested.
Artist Marshal Baruah announced that he would repaint the portrait. Despite requests from police officials to postpone the work until after the Japanese Prime Minister’s visit, Baruah proceeded with repainting the image.
Several supporters gathered at the spot as the portrait was restored. The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti also participated in the protest programme, led by Bedanta Laskar. Slogans were raised and demonstrations were held.
The gathering later attracted more Zubeen Garg admirers. Even after the portrait was repainted, many people remained at the location. Some supporters were seen expressing their emotions while speaking before cameras near the portrait.
The gathering resulted in traffic congestion in the area, and traffic police had to manage the situation. Authorities reportedly avoided forceful removal of the protesters to prevent further escalation.
According to reports, a Japanese security delegation had earlier visited Guwahati to assess security arrangements ahead of the Prime Minister’s proposed visit. The delegation reportedly witnessed the gathering beneath the Ganeshguri flyover during the traffic disruption.
However, there has been no official confirmation from the Japanese government or Indian authorities linking the cancellation of the Guwahati visit with the Zubeen Garg portrait controversy. Official sources have cited logistical challenges as the reason behind shifting the summit venue.
The proposed visit was expected to bring new investment opportunities to Assam. Around 90 investors were reportedly expected to participate in discussions with the Assam Government regarding possible investment projects.
The cancellation has led to concerns among sections of people who believe the state may lose a major investment opportunity. The visit was expected to encourage industrial development and create employment opportunities in Assam.
