Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to embark on a two-day visit to Japan as both nations accelerate trade and economic ties. PM Modi will travel to Japan from
August 29-30 to take part in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba. From steel plants in Gujarat to biogas projects in rural India, from Assam's role as a gateway to the Northeast to cutting-edge R&D labs in Tokyo, the India–Japan partnership is expanding across sectors in recent years. Farmers in Indian villages and AI engineers in Bengaluru and Tokyo alike are part of this growing collaboration. With semiconductor fabs, academic exchanges, and more than 170 MoUs inked in just two years, representing over $13 billion in committed investments, the two nations are building a bridge to a new era of cooperation. And PM Modi's visit is said to bring more MoUs in other areas.
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PM Modi is also likely to hold a discussion on Quad with his Japanese Counterpart amid strained ties with the US. India's Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, underlined the importance of the Quad and said that the two sides will discuss an entire spectrum of geopolitical issues.
When asked about the 50 per cent tariffs imposed on India by the US, Sibi George, referring to India and Japan being members of Quad, suggested that the leadership might discuss "the geopolitical situation and the geo-economic situation."
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How India-Japan cooperation has expanded over the years
In recent years, Nippon Steel (AM/NS India) has been expanding in Gujarat with Rs 15 billion investments, along with Rs 56 billion integrated steel plant in Andhra Pradesh.
While Suzuki Motor has announced Rs 350 billion for a new plant in Gujarat and Rs 32 billion to expand production lines, Toyota Kirloskar has Rs 33 billion expansion plans in Karnataka and a Rs 200 billion new plant in Maharashtra.
Sumitomo Realty has invested $4.76 billion in real estate, while JFE Steel has Rs 445 billion worth of investment to strengthen electrical steel production.
The cooperation has even extended to space. Astroscale is the first Japanese commercial satellite launch using ISRO's PSLV.
"In the bilateral level, we have a very good political relationship. We have seen how our economic relationship has transformed over the years. And, of course, this year we are celebrating as the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation Exchanges. So we have been working on each of these elements," Sibi George said.
He further stated that this visit is a means to take stock of the relations. A lot more MOUs are expected, he added.
(With agency inputs)
