India has rejected remarks made by former Japanese minister Hideki Makihara, who blamed Indian officials for delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shinkansen project. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the comments do not match the facts and described them as a personal opinion. India also said discussions with Japan on the high-speed rail project are progressing well.What Did India Say?The MEA said the former Japanese minister's remarks were not based on the current status of the project. It added that India and Japan continue to work closely on the Shinkansen high-speed rail corridor. Officials also confirmed that talks between both countries remain positive and on track.Why did India reject the Shinkansen delay remarks?India rejected the remarks because it said they were "at considerable variance with facts" and reflected only an individual's opinion. The government stated that cooperation with Japan on the Shinkansen project remains strong and discussions are moving forward. It also clarified that work on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project continues as planned.Former Japanese minister Hideki Makihara blamed India for delays in the project.The MEA responded on July 17, 2026, rejecting his claims.India said the remarks were a personal opinion and did not reflect the actual progress.The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail is India's first Shinkansen-based bullet train project.Both India and Japan have agreed to target the opening of the project's first section in 2027.Trending AnalysisThe Shinkansen project is trending because it is one of India's biggest infrastructure partnerships with Japan. The public exchange between a former Japanese minister and the Indian government has raised fresh interest in the project's progress. The government's quick response also highlights the importance of maintaining strong India-Japan relations while keeping the bullet train project on schedule.Key HighlightsIndia rejected the former Japanese minister's allegations.MEA called the remarks a personal opinion.The government said India-Japan talks are progressing well.The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shinkansen project remains under development.The first operational section is expected to open in 2027.India reaffirmed its commitment to the Japan rail project.Bumppy: What Happens Next?The focus will now remain on the construction progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shinkansen corridor and future cooperation between India and Japan. Both governments are expected to continue technical discussions and project execution. Official updates on construction milestones and the planned 2027 launch will be closely watched by commuters and industry experts.Read More: Abhijeet Dipke Continues Protest After Wangchuk Hospitalisation
