Goyal Pushes for Deeper India-Japan Trade and Investment Ties

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday began his official visit to Japan with meeting some of the leading CEOs and business leaders and strengthen the India-Japan economic partnership.

Goyal is visiting Japan from August 24-27, travelling to Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka while leading India’s largest-ever business delegation to Japan, comprising more than 200 business representatives.

“Began my engagements in Tokyo with an excellent meeting with Shingo Ueno, President and CEO at Sumitomo Corporation. We discussed opportunities to deepen the company’s engagement with India across energy transformation, mobility and industrial infrastructure,” the minister posted on X.

India’s investment-led growth and expanding manufacturing ecosystem offer immense opportunities for greater collaboration, further strengthening the India-Japan economic partnership, Goyal noted.

He also met Toshiaki Nagasato, President and Representative Director of Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd, and discussed opportunities to strengthen India-Japan cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector and avenues to expand the company's manufacturing and R&D footprint in India.

“India's pharmaceutical ecosystem offers significant opportunities for our Japanese partners to scale and achieve long-term growth,” said Goyal.

The Indian business delegation comprises more than 200 business representatives and spanning sectors ranging from manufacturing, semiconductors, clean energy and steel to automotive, financial services, healthcare and start-ups, according to an official statement.

The visit reflects the scale of ambition both nations bring to their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and comes at a time when India and Japan are looking to significantly deepen trade and investment ties.

In Tokyo, the Minister was set to hold a series of meetings with the top leadership of major Japanese conglomerates and industrial houses that have long been partners in India’s growth, alongside a round-table with Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), the apex body representing over 1,500 leading Japanese companies.

Dedicated sessions are planned on semiconductors and artificial intelligence, start-ups, and engagement with foreign institutional investors, reflecting India’s growing pull as an investment and innovation destination.

The visit will conclude in Osaka with an Investors and Business Roadshow, along with meetings with leading Japanese companies across electronics, industrial and consumer sectors, aimed at showcasing opportunities across India’s manufacturing, clean energy and consumer markets.