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.