August 31, 2025

In a sparkling show of teamwork, PM Narendra Modi and Japan's Shigeru Ishiba announced a dazzling list of new plans to power up India-Japan relations over the next decade. From trade and tech to defense and green energy, this partnership is ready to roar! A jaw-dropping target of $67 billion in private investment from Japan to India is set to fuel growth. The two leaders unveiled a Joint Vision for the Next Decade, focusing on hot topics like Artificial Intelligence, energy, critical minerals, and human resources. They are also powering up defense and security ties, renewing the 2008 security declaration to keep the Indo-Pacific region free from bullying, especially amid China's assertiveness. PM Modi said, “Today, we have laid a strong foundation for a new and golden chapter in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership. We have set a roadmap for the next decade. We will also give special attention to connecting Small and Medium Enterprises and Start-ups from both countries.” Tech is a priority too! Modi highlighted semiconductors and rare earth minerals as key areas, announcing that "Digital Partnership 2.0 and AI cooperation initiatives are being undertaken." The economic security initiative also aims to build strong supply chains and protect critical technology. The talent exchange deal is another star on the show—over 500,000 people will move between India and Japan in five years, including 50,000 skilled talents from India heading to Japan. Defence isn't left behind. Modi confirmed, "We also have shared interests in the areas of defence and maritime security. We have jointly decided to further strengthen our cooperation in the fields of defence industry and innovation." The green light goes to new Sustainable Fuel and Battery Supply Chain partnerships too, with the green partnership matching the economic one in strength. Highlighting infrastructure, the famous Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project was praised. Both leaders agreed to speed up its operations and install Japan's state-of-the-art signalling system. Space fans got a wink too as cooperation on the Chandrayaan-5 mission was confirmed. Modi said this partnership “will symbolise the progress of humanity beyond the boundaries of the Earth, and into space.” Ishiba added that both nations should “draw on each other's strengths” to solve future challenges. On the global stage, Modi and Ishiba called for a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine and showed deep worry about the harsh humanitarian situation in Gaza. They urged all sides to protect civilians and avoid actions that worsen tensions. The Modi-Ishiba meeting not only sets the tone for a golden decade but also sends a strong message: India and Japan are ready to stand tall together in business, technology, defense, and global peace.

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Tags: India-japan partnership, Narendra modi, Shigeru ishiba, Trade and investment, Technology collaboration, Defense and security,