Daijiworld Media Network - Tokyo
Tokyo, Aug 30: India and Japan on Friday laid a strong foundation for what leaders described as “a new and golden chapter” in their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, unveiling a 10-year roadmap to deepen cooperation across eight pillars — ranging from economy and technology to defence, innovation, and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a two-day visit to Japan, held wide-ranging talks with his counterpart Shigeru Ishiba. The two leaders adopted a historic Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, elevating bilateral defence and security partnership in tune with contemporary geopolitical realities.
Unveiling the shared vision, PM Modi announced a fresh target of 10 trillion Yen (USD 67 billion) Japanese investment in India over the next decade. “Japanese technology and Indian talent are a winning combination. Together, we are not only building high-speed rail but also strengthening cooperation in ports, aviation, and shipbuilding under the Next Generation Mobility Partnership,” Modi said while addressing the India-Japan Business Forum.
He urged Japanese companies to “Make in India, Make for the world,” underlining opportunities in small and medium enterprises and start-ups.
The two countries launched the Economic Security Cooperation Initiative, pushing for resilience in supply chains of semiconductors, rare earths, pharmaceuticals, clean energy and biotechnology. The Digital Partnership 2.0, AI collaboration, and a battery supply chain partnership were also rolled out to reinforce technology and green energy ties.
“Cooperation in high technology is a priority. Semiconductors and rare earth minerals remain at the top of our agenda,” Modi said, noting that energy collaboration through the Joint Credit Mechanism, Sustainable Fuel Initiative, and battery ecosystem will strengthen green growth.
The space sector also saw a boost as ISRO and JAXA signed an agreement to cooperate in India’s Chandrayaan-5 mission. Human resource exchange will also get a big push, with both sides agreeing to facilitate the movement of 5 lakh professionals and students, including 50,000 skilled Indians in Japan over the next five years.
Modi stressed that the partnership would not be confined to Delhi and Tokyo but extend to state–prefecture cooperation, opening avenues for trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
On security, the two leaders reaffirmed commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Both sides pledged stronger collaboration in defence industry, innovation, maritime security, counter-terrorism, and cyber security. The new framework also institutionalises dialogue between the National Security Advisors of the two countries.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described Japan as “one of India’s most valued and trusted friends,” adding that the partnership remains a pillar of stability amid global flux. “The 150 MoUs worth over USD 13 billion announced by the private sector reflect confidence in this relationship,” he said.
A joint statement titled “A Partnership for Security and Prosperity for Our Next Generation” was also released. It highlights eight cooperation pillars — economic relations, economic security, mobility, technology and innovation, ecological sustainability, health, people-to-people exchanges, and state-prefecture partnerships.
“Together, we carry a common dream of peace, progress, and prosperity of our peoples, and for the world,” PM Modi said, reaffirming the enduring spirit of India–Japan friendship.