Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan emphasized the complementary strengths of Japan's advanced technology and India's outstanding talent as key drivers of the rapid expansion in economic ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the India-Japan Economic Forum alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ishiba highlighted Japan's significant role in India's 'Make in India' initiative, with numerous Japanese companies actively participating and extending cooperation globally. He underscored that this collaboration is steadily building a resilient supply chain centred on the two nations.

Ishiba outlined the ongoing cooperation in cutting-edge sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), space, clean energy, semiconductors, and biofuels. The forum stressed initiatives like promoting people-to-people exchanges, leveraging technology and markets under India's self-reliant policy, and collaboration in critical sectors.

The Japanese PM expressed optimism about growing people-to-people ties and economic cooperation, recounting his visit to Varanasi, where he was inspired by India's energy for growth and the fusion of technology and culture.

In his remarks, Ishiba cited examples such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project and Maruti Suzuki's long-standing presence in India as symbols of successful Indo-Japanese industrial cooperation. The two leaders announced ambitious plans, including a 10 trillion yen (around $68 billion) investment roadmap by Japan in India over the next decade, emphasizing innovation, startups, clean energy, and economic security. They also committed to promoting human resource exchanges and deepening institutional ties between Indian states and Japanese prefectures for expanded trade, tourism, education, and cultural links.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's recent rapid economic growth and reforms that have improved the investment climate, inviting more Japanese companies to expand their presence in India. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, with joint efforts to enhance defense cooperation, economic security, and supply chain resilience.

This summit marked a significant milestone in the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, outlining a forward-looking roadmap to deepen cooperation and address global economic uncertainties together through technology, talent, sustainable development, and people-centric initiatives.

Based On ANI Report