PM Narendra Modi and PM Shigeru Ishiba chart a decade-long vision for India-Japan ties, focusing on defence, technology, green energy, investments, space exploration, and people-to-people exchanges.
Tokyo [Japan], August 30: India and Japan have set the stage for what Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as “a new and golden chapter” in their Special Strategic and Global Partnership. On Friday, the two nations adopted a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation and unveiled a 10-year strategic roadmap spanning eight key pillars—an ambitious blueprint that promises to shape the future of bilateral ties.
Speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, PM Modi emphasized that the partnership is rooted in mutual trust, shared values, and a vision for peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond. “Together, we carry a common dream of peace, progress, and prosperity for our peoples, and for the world,” Modi said.
Security and Defence: A Stronger Partnership
The newly signed Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation marks a significant elevation of bilateral defence ties, factoring in modern-day geopolitical realities. It widens the scope of cooperation to include cybersecurity, counterterrorism, defence industry collaboration, and intelligence sharing. Importantly, both nations have agreed to hold an institutionalized dialogue between their National Security Advisors to respond more effectively to security challenges.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the document as “a broad and enabling framework that gives India and Japan the ability to work closely on contemporary security issues,” while reaffirming that Japan stands with India against cross-border terrorism.
Economic Ties: Trillion-Yen Investment Target
A highlight of the visit was the announcement of a 10 trillion Yen ($67 billion) Japanese investment in India over the next decade. At the India-Japan Business Forum, PM Modi urged Japanese companies to “Make in India, Make for the World.”
So far, private sector enthusiasm has been strong, with nearly 150 MoUs and partnerships worth over $13 billion already announced. Special emphasis will also be given to startups, SMEs, and innovation-led collaborations.
Technology and Sustainability: Future-Oriented Goals
Both nations launched the Economic Security Cooperation Initiative, which focuses on critical sectors like semiconductors, rare earth minerals, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and telecommunication.
In green energy, the Joint Credit Mechanism, the Sustainable Fuel Initiative, and a Battery Supply Chain Partnership were introduced—cementing the partnership as both an economic powerhouse and a green alliance.
“We believe Japanese technology and Indian talent are a winning combination,” Modi said, highlighting cooperation in high-speed rail, ports, aviation, and shipbuilding under the Next Generation Mobility Partnership.
Space and Science: Looking Beyond Earth
A major milestone came with the announcement of ISRO-JAXA cooperation on Chandrayaan-5, symbolizing shared ambitions in space exploration. “Our active participation will symbolize humanity’s progress beyond Earth,” PM Modi said.
People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges
The roadmap goes beyond economics and defence. Both nations agreed to expand human resource exchanges, with 500,000 people expected to engage in exchanges over the next five years. Of these, 50,000 skilled Indians will contribute directly to Japan’s economy.
Importantly, cooperation will also extend beyond Delhi and Tokyo, with Indian states and Japanese prefectures forming direct institutional partnerships—opening doors for trade, tourism, education, and cultural collaboration.
Shared Vision for Indo-Pacific Stability
Reaffirming their commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, both leaders highlighted shared concerns around terrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security. Misri stressed that India-Japan relations remain “a pillar of stability in the international system amid geopolitical flux.”
The joint statement issued after the talks, titled “A Partnership for Security and Prosperity for Our Next Generation,” underscored the spirit of this visit—partnership not just for today, but for decades to come.