Historic MoU Signing at Joint Economic Forum
Japan and India on Thursday signed 129 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) valued at Rs 1 lakh crore during a Joint Economic Forum meeting in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic ties. The agreements span advanced technologies, clean energy, and semiconductors, reflecting deepening cooperation between the two nations.
Record Investments and Business Confidence
Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Chairman and CEO Ishiguro Norihiko announced the MoUs at the forum, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Ishiguro noted that Japan-India economic relations are at an unprecedented high, with over 80% of Japanese companies operating in India planning to expand their local business, according to a JETRO survey.
Investment momentum has accelerated significantly since the Japan-India Summit in August 2025, with new investments reaching approximately 2 trillion Japanese Yen ($12.4 billion) over the past year alone, Ishiguro said. These investments have expanded into advanced fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology, while cooperation has deepened in clean energy, including large-scale investment in green ammonia.
Long-Term Goals and High-Level Participation
Tatsuo Yasunaga, Chairman of the Japan-India Business Cooperation Committee and Chair of the Committee on South Asia at Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), reaffirmed the goal of achieving an investment of 10 trillion Yen ($62 billion) in India over the next 10 years, along with an exchange of 500,000 workers. Prime Minister Modi described India-Japan relations as truly special, highlighting the success of the economic partnership and stating that the entire world would benefit when Japan's expertise and investment combine with India's speed and scale.
The forum saw participation from senior business leaders from both countries, with discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation, investment, and technology partnerships.
