India-Japan Strategic Partnership
Japan has set a target of 10 trillion yen ($67 billion) in private-sector investments in India over the next decade. This was announced during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Tokyo.
Key Outcomes of the Summit
- 21 outcomes were announced, including 13 agreements covering:
- Defence Cooperation: Enhanced collaboration between the two nations in defense sectors.
- Investment in Critical Minerals: Japanese investment in exploring critical minerals in India.
- Semiconductor Collaboration: Greater cooperation in semiconductor technology and manufacturing.
- High-Speed Rail Network: Expansion support for India's high-speed rail network.
- Training Program: Training for 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled Indians in Japan.
- Support for Japan Industrial Townships in India and a review of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to make it more forward-looking.
- Engagement between Indian states and Japanese prefectures to deepen institutional cooperation.
Economic and Technological Cooperation
- Japanese firms are encouraged to participate actively in India’s ambitious projects like the 7,000-kilometre-long network of high-speed rail.
- Potential Japanese investments in sectors such as ports, aviation, shipbuilding, road transport, and logistics.
- India and Japan aim to develop next-generation defense platforms for global markets.
- Japan's space agency Jaxa will support India's Chandrayaan-5 launch.
Security and Geopolitical Concerns
- Reaffirmation of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
- Concern over Chinese assertiveness in the East and South China Seas, opposing unilateral actions that threaten navigation and overflight safety.
- Condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Other Strategic Areas of Cooperation
- Focus on critical mineral supply chains, including joint investments and processing technologies.
- Promotion of hydrogen and ammonia projects, and the creation of a joint crediting mechanism for carbon management.
- Commitment to the Quad grouping and expansion of India’s consulate in Fukuoka to strengthen ties with the Kyushu region.
Technology and Innovation
- India and Japan identified as leaders in technology, with potential collaboration in AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotech, and space exploration.
- Plans to visit a semiconductor factory in Sendai, showcasing the technological synergy between the nations.
Expected Developments
- 10-year vision for cooperation across various areas including economy, technology, and security.
- Focus on people-to-people exchanges and skill development, with a target of 500,000 two-way exchanges and training 50,000 Indian workers in Japan.
- Launch of India-Japan SME platform and resilient supply chains in sectors like semiconductors, telecom, and pharmaceuticals.
