Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal urged Japanese businesses to double their presence in India over the next decade [1].
The push for increased investment comes as India seeks to solidify its role in global supply chains and leverage its domestic market to attract foreign capital.
Speaking in Tokyo on Monday, Goyal said that the number of Japanese companies operating in India should double this decade from current levels [1]. He highlighted that India's expanding network of free trade agreements, and its large internal consumer base, provide a strategic advantage for firms looking to scale operations.
"India can give Japan a natural edge in global markets," Goyal said [2].
The minister emphasized that India is positioned to be an excellent partner for Japan, particularly as both nations look to diversify their trade dependencies. By deepening business-to-business cooperation, Goyal said India can help Japanese firms integrate more effectively into emerging markets.
"We invite Japanese businesses to deepen investments and partnerships in India," Goyal said [3].
Goyal noted that the synergy between Japanese technology and India's scale could accelerate industrial growth. He suggested that the current level of cooperation serves as a foundation, but the goal for the remainder of the decade is a significant expansion of the corporate footprint [1].
The visit to Tokyo focused on promoting India as a hub for manufacturing and services. Goyal said that the strategic alignment between the two countries extends beyond trade, touching on broader economic stability in the region.
“The number of Japanese companies operating in India should double this decade from current levels.”
This diplomatic push indicates India's strategy to position itself as the primary alternative to other East Asian manufacturing hubs. By targeting a 100% increase in Japanese corporate presence [1], New Delhi is attempting to lock in high-tech Japanese capital to fuel its domestic infrastructure and manufacturing goals while offering Japan a secure gateway to the broader Global South through India's trade agreements.
