Departing Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George has voiced gratitude to those who supported efforts to deepen bilateral relations during his time in the country.

In an article he contributed to before he leaves his post Wednesday, George expressed confidence that Japan "will remain a steadfast partner" of India, which aims to join the ranks of advanced economies by 2047, when it will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its independence.

George noted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Japan through Aug. 30 "added a new chapter to our partnership and set an ambitious agenda for the next decade."

He underscored the significance of the two nations revising a joint declaration on security cooperation for the first time in 17 years and agreeing that Japan will target ¥10 trillion in private investments in India over the next 10 years.

Summit-level mutual visits and high-level meetings "have strengthened our special strategic and global partnership," George said.

Joint drills between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Indian military, cultural exchanges, the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka and other events have "strengthened my resolve to advance the India-Japan relationship," he also said.

"My diplomatic journey spanned all 47 prefectures of Japan," said the ambassador. "I treasure my interactions with Japanese society at all levels."

"I am deeply grateful for the friendships forged across sectors," he added.

After returning to India, George is slated to take on the role of secretary in charge of Europe and other matters in the Ministry of External Affairs.