Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday met Izumi Miyazaki, Governor of Wakayama Prefecture, and a Japanese delegation in Mumbai and proposed a Bamiyan Buddha replica in Nagpur.
CM Fadnavis shared the proposal on X after the meeting, stating that he held discussions on strengthening ties between Maharashtra and Japan.
The meeting also highlighted the long-standing sister-state partnership between Maharashtra and Wakayama, which began in 2013.
The Chief Minister said that the relationship remains an important pillar of Indo-Japanese friendship.
CM Fadnavis noted that Japan has played a major role in supporting major infrastructure projects in Maharashtra.
These include the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, the expanding underground Metro network in Mumbai, and the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project.
During the discussions, both sides explored ways to further enhance cooperation in strategic sectors and open new avenues for collaboration.
Proposal for Bamiyan Buddha replica
The Chief Minister also proposed constructing a replica of the Bamiyan Buddha in Nagpur. He said the project would aim to spread a global message of peace from the city where B. R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism.
The proposal is intended to symbolise peace, cultural exchange and the deep spiritual connection between India and Japan.
It was a great pleasure to meet H. E. Izumi Miyazaki san, Governor of Wakayama Prefecture and the esteemed delegation in Mumbai today.
Japan and India, particularly Maharashtra and Wakayama, have a deep and enduring partnership. Maharashtra`s decade-long sister-state… pic.twitter.com/TlWetkom2a
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 13, 2026
The meeting was attended by Yagi Koji, Consul General of Japan in Mumbai; Akizuki Fuminari, Vice Speaker of the Wakayama Prefectural Assembly; Nijima Takeshi, President of the Japan-India Friendship Promotion Group of Wakayama Prefectural Assembly; and Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, among others.
Sports and Cultural Exchanges Grow
Fadnavis noted that sports exchanges between the two regions have also grown. He cited examples such as sumo wrestlers visiting Mumbai, training in Pune, and performing demonstrations at the Gateway of India. He said such initiatives will help develop sporting talent in both countries.
Remembering the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Fadnavis said his tenure strengthened India–Japan relations and led to major projects such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train.
