Guwahati | Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday confirmed that the proposed visit of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Guwahati has been cancelled, bringing clarity to speculation that had triggered political debate across the state.

Addressing reporters after a Cabinet meeting at Lok Bhawan, Sarma said the information was conveyed by the Ministry of External Affairs to the Assam government late on Monday night.

According to the Chief Minister, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed the Assam Chief Secretary that the Japanese Prime Minister’s itinerary would now be restricted to New Delhi, with the Guwahati leg of the visit dropped.

Sarma said no official reason had been communicated for the cancellation and stressed that the state government would not speculate on the matter.

“The reason has not been conveyed to us. Protocol does not permit us to seek explanations directly. I will discuss the matter with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar when I visit Delhi,” he said.

While describing the development as unfortunate for Assam, Sarma noted that preparations for the visit had been extensive. A Japanese team had reportedly spent more than a month in Guwahati conducting surveys and reviewing logistical arrangements, including accommodation and hospitality facilities.

The Chief Minister recalled that a planned visit by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2019 had also been cancelled amid protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Sarma said the proposed visit this time was expected to include a 50-member business delegation, featuring representatives from major Japanese companies, including Maruti Suzuki. He added that the Centre had assured Assam that a high-level business delegation from Japan would visit the state in the near future.

The Chief Minister also indicated that he may seek enhanced economic engagement with Japan during future discussions with the Union government.

When questioned further about the possible reasons behind the cancellation, Sarma said he had some understanding of the circumstances but declined to comment until he had spoken with the External Affairs Minister.

The Chief Minister also announced that beautification projects initiated specifically for the Japanese Prime Minister’s visit would be halted to avoid unnecessary expenditure. However, ongoing urban development and beautification works unrelated to the visit would continue.

On broader connectivity and tourism issues, Sarma expressed optimism that tourist arrivals from Europe, Australia and Japan would increase over the next three years. He also said efforts were underway to establish direct flight connectivity between Guwahati and Vietnam.

The cancellation had earlier sparked political reactions after media reports suggested that the Guwahati leg of the visit could be dropped due to scheduling and logistical considerations.

BJP MLA Chakradhar Gogoi reportedly linked the development to the recent controversy surrounding the removal of a mural depicting Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg from a pillar of the Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha Flyover in Guwahati.

The Opposition dismissed the claim, with Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Wajid Ali Choudhury stating that there was no evidence to suggest the mural controversy had influenced the decision, noting that the issue had already been resolved without major escalation.

Despite the cancellation, the Assam government has indicated that it remains committed to strengthening ties with Japan and attracting future investment and business engagements to the state.