REPORT ON FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOUR OF H.E. SIBI GEORGE, AMBASSADOR OF INDIA TO JAPAN, AND MRS. JOICE SIBI GEORGE

Date: 05th September 2025

Venue: ANA InterContinental Hotel, Tokyo

Organized by: Indian Commerce and Industry Association Japan, JIA, JIBCC

1. Former Prime Minister of Japan, Hon. Mr. Yoshihide Suga, spoke at the Farewell Dinner in honor of the Indian Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Sibi George.

2. The Indian Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Sibi George, delivering his remarks at the Farewell Dinner Reception.

3. ICIJ President, Hon. Mr. J.S. Chandrani, presents a 'Kabuto' helmet— a traditional Japanese warrior's headgear—to Indian Ambassador H.E. Sibi George as a gesture of thanks and respect.

4. Guests, including prominent Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Businessmen, gathered at the Farewell Dinner of the Ambassador of India to Japan, H.E. Sibi George.

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The Indian Commerce and Industry Association Japan (ICIJ), in association with the Japan India Association (JIA) and the Japan India Business Cooperation Committee (JIBCC), hosted a Farewell Dinner on 5 September 2025 at the ANA  InterContinental Hotel, Tokyo, in honour of H.E. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan, and Mrs. Joice Sibi George.

The occasion was organized to felicitate Ambassador George on the successful completion of his tenure and to express gratitude for his significant role in advancing India–Japan relations and for his support to the ICIJ. ICIJ President Mr. J.S. Chandrani and Mrs. Chandrani received Ambassador and Mrs. George.

The evening was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Mr. Yoshihide Suga, Former Prime Minister of Japan; Mr. Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture; H.E. Akitaka Saiki, Former Ambassador; Members of Parliament; Mr. R. Madhu Sudan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Tokyo; and several eminent personalities from political, diplomatic, and business circles.

Speakers commended Ambassador George’s remarkable contributions during his three-year tenure and extended best wishes for his future assignments. In his address, Ambassador George reflected on his mission to make the Embassy of India in Japan one of the most active in the world, describing his posting as the most fulfilling of his diplomatic career. He underlined the importance of the India–Japan partnership as a force for peace, highlighting landmark bilateral initiatives and agreements. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian community, ICIJ, JIA, JIBCC, his embassy team, and

Japanese colleagues fondly describe the Indian community in Japan as “an extension of his family.”

As tokens of appreciation, Ambassador George was presented with a Kabuto by ICIJ President Mr. Chandrani and a Certificate of Honour by ICIJ Chairman Mr. Ryuko Hira.

In a special tribute, Mr. Hira highlighted Ambassador George’s pivotal role in reviving the India–Japan High-Speed Rail project. He proposed the Japanese name “Ambassador Nozomi” in recognition of his vision, humility, and friendship. He further noted that Ambassador George’s tenure saw the historic commitment of ¥10 trillion Japanese investment in India, laying a strong foundation for the future of India–Japan relations. He also informed the gathering that Ambassador George has been promoted to the position of Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, underscoring the confidence reposed in him by India’s leadership.

On behalf of all present, Mr. Hira conveyed profound appreciation and extended warm wishes to Ambassador and Mrs. George, affirming that Japan would always welcome them with open arms.

The evening concluded with a dinner reception hosted by ICIJ.