Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George has emphasized the bond linking the Quad countries of Australia, India, Japan and the United States, despite sweeping U.S. tariffs on Indian products.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will impose high tariffs on goods from India, which continues to import crude oil from Russia.

While some worry that India-U.S. relations would worsen due to the tariff issue, George said in an interview that there are factors that connect the four countries, indicating that they share such values as democracy and the rule of law.

Asked about New Delhi¡¯s policies, including whether to impose retaliatory tariffs against the United States, George said the decisions will be made in line with the demands of citizens, noting that Indians ¡°have their requirements.¡±

The interview took place in Tokyo on Aug. 1, ahead of India¡¯s Independence Day on Aug. 15.

George also said ¡°there may be differences, there may be different opinions on things¡± among the Quad nations. At the same time, he said that the framework is showing ¡°significant progress,¡± such as the four nations having already held two foreign ministers¡¯ meetings this year. George also voiced hopes for a Quad summit due to be held in New Delhi later this year.

Japan and India have designated 2025, which marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of a bilateral science and technology cooperation agreement, as an exchange year in the fields of science and technology and innovation.

¡°There are many areas¡± where the two countries can work together for the benefits of their people and the world, George said. He also stressed the need for Japan and India to mutually accept more students in order to sustain interactions between their research institutes as well as their scientists.

Although about 1,500 firms from Japan are operating in India, the number of small Japanese companies with business in the South Asian nation is limited, George noted.

Having visited all 47 prefectures in Japan and met with corporate officials and others in the nation, George said he hopes to share success stories of Japanese firms operating in India.