Chinese media outlet Observer Network published an article on the 23rd, regarding the high-speed rail construction project, titled 'Japan Stabbed in the Back by India.'

The article explained that 'Japan-India relations, in which Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Indian Prime Minister Modi demonstrated "brotherly and sisterly affection," are now facing a situation where real interests are severely tested over India's first high-speed rail project, and are attracting attention from domestic and international media.' It introduced that Hideki Makihara, a former Minister of Justice involved in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project, recently severely criticized the Indian side on social media.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Makihara stated that the reason for the project's delay was '100% due to the Indian side,' and criticized the Indian side based on his experience, saying things like 'they overturn promises immediately' and 'they insist on their own self-interest until the very end.' He also attached the URL of an article published by Toyo Keizai Online on July 14.

The article pointed out that although the original plan was to build the system based on Japanese Shinkansen rolling stock and signaling systems, the Indian side adopted a European-style signaling system during the construction process, making it difficult to introduce Japanese-made rolling stock. It stated that Japanese rolling stock cannot operate on European-style systems, resulting in the exclusion of Japanese technology.

In response, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, denied, saying '(Makihara's remarks) are personal views and widely differ from the facts.' He explained that the signaling system was procured based on the principle of 'meeting international standards,' and that 'no concrete proposals have been received from the Japanese side.' He also claimed that since the delivery of new rolling stock currently under development by the Japanese side would be after 2030, 'both sides have agreed' to use Indian-made high-speed trains in the initial stages of the project.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail is a line approximately 500 kilometers long connecting western India, and is being constructed with the utilization of yen loans. Construction began in 2017, and it was originally scheduled to open in 2023. However, it has been delayed due to difficulties in land acquisition and other factors, and currently aims for partial opening in August 2027.

The Observer Network article stated that 'the current conflict surfaced just two weeks after Prime Minister Takaichi visited India and she and Prime Minister Modi referred to each other as "brother" and "sister,"' and then introduced the views of Qian Feng (Chi'en Feng), Director of the Research Department at Tsinghua University's National Strategy Institute.

He pointed out that 'the core of the problem is not technology, but the balance between trust and interests,' and 'although both countries have signed multiple agreements, trust has been eroded due to delays in the implementation phase.' He presented the view that 'the Japanese side promised technology transfer and financing, aiming for the establishment of long-term cooperative relations and market entry, while the Indian side aims to utilize Japanese funds and technology to enhance its own technological system and manufacturing capabilities.'

Furthermore, he argued that 'even with symbolic large-scale projects, once trust is lost, repeated negotiations on terms will occur. If there are significant discrepancies in the spirit of the contract, the local institutional environment, or administrative efficiency, it will be difficult to realize the plan as intended, even with cutting-edge technology and the most favorable financing conditions.' (Translation/Editing: Kitada)