Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Grant Agreement with the Government of India to provide grant aid of up to Rs 130 crore for the construction of the International Cooperation and Convention Centre in Varanasi. The Varanasi International Cooperation and Convention Centre (VCC) was mentioned in the Japan-India Joint Statement in November 2016 where Prime Minister Modi had appreciated Japan’s efforts to support the construction of the Convention Centre in Varanasi and recognised its symbolic importance as a sign of strengthening bilateral ties. This year the two Prime Ministers revealed the designs of VCC on the occasion of their annual summit held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The VCC is the first of its kind in Varanasi and will function as a platform providing the opportunities for social, cultural interactions and knowledge exchange for the public, thereby contributing to the social-economic development of Varanasi.