India's Ministry of External Affairs rejected claims by former Japanese minister Hideki Makihara that India caused delays to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet-train project.
The dispute highlights the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding the high-speed rail corridor, a flagship infrastructure project involving significant Japanese investment and technical cooperation.
In a statement issued Friday from New Delhi, the ministry addressed allegations that India was entirely responsible for the project's setbacks. An MEA spokesperson said the remarks are an individual opinion and at considerable variance with facts [1].
The ministry sought to counter the narrative that the project is stalled due to Indian mismanagement. The spokesperson said talks with Japan are progressing well [2].
Despite the friction caused by the former minister's comments, the Indian government maintained that the project remains on track. The spokesperson said the first section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train is expected to be operational by 2027 [3].
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is designed to be India's first high-speed rail link, utilizing Japanese Shinkansen technology. The project has faced various hurdles since its inception, including land acquisition challenges, and environmental clearances.
By dismissing Makihara's statements as personal views, the MEA aimed to preserve the bilateral relationship between New Delhi and Tokyo. The government reaffirmed that official diplomatic channels remain positive and focused on the project's completion [2].
“The remarks are an individual opinion and at considerable variance with facts.”
This exchange underscores the tension between public political commentary and official diplomatic positioning. By framing the former minister's claims as an 'individual opinion,' India is insulating its strategic partnership with the current Japanese government from the friction caused by retired officials, ensuring that the 2027 operational goal for the first rail section remains the primary focus.
