As India marks 25 years of public leadership by Narendra Modi, first as Gujarat Chief Minister and then as Prime Minister of India, I am honoured to extend heartfelt congratulations and my deepest respect. This occasion represents one of the most remarkable development journeys. During these 25 years, Gujarat emerged as one of the world’s leading manufacturing destinations, while India rose to become one of the most dynamic major economies globally.

Few international companies have had the privilege of participating in this transformation as closely as Suzuki. When Modi became Gujarat CM in 2001, his efforts were focused on development based on industrial competitiveness, world-class infrastructure, efficient governance and investor confidence. While evaluating potential locations for Suzuki’s next phase of expansion in India, my late father, Osamu Suzuki, met CM Modi. He came away from that interaction with a strong sense of confidence in Gujarat’s future and in the state’s leadership.…