Japan Delegation Sees Major Opportunity, Meets PM Modi to Discuss Investment in India

In a significant development, leading Japanese CEOs met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi today, signaling a new chapter of collaboration between the two nations.

The meeting was filled with optimism, as Japanese business leaders expressed keen interest in investing in India and strengthening bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a high-powered delegation from Keizai Doyukai | Image: X/@narendramodi

Suntory Holdings Ltd CEO Niinami Takeshi lauded the growing India-Japan relationship, describing it as "thriving very much" and a "huge opportunity" for Japanese investment.

He emphasized India's potential as a hub for exporting locally manufactured products to global markets, underscoring the vast scope for cooperation.

He said, "India and Japan relation is thriving very much. There is a huge opportunity for Japan to invest in India. After coming here, I find that there is a huge possibility that we work together to make India as a hub to promote the products produced here in India to other countries together."

Kawasaki Tatsuo, Chairman of Unison Capital, commended Prime Minister Modi for establishing a stable policy framework and enhancing Japan-India relations.

He expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister's leadership and highlighted that Japan's industrial strength, coupled with India's talent and ambition, could foster successful partnerships.

Tatsuo confidently stated that the Indian market offers immense potential for growth and development.

He said, "First and foremost, the stability he (PM Modi) has brought to all the policy measures and in creating a strong path between Japan and India has been extremely helpful, and we are very grateful for that. Japan has had a great industrial base. So, together with the skill and desire, I am sure that there are ways to make it work. I think going forward, the market is here in India."

NEC Corporation Vice President Tanaka Shigehiro stated that the delegation discussed the future stability prospects of the Indian economy.

He said, "There have been many talks about the stability of the Indian economy, all the prospect and the prosperity that we see toward future. We expressed how much we expect from India, and PM Modi has explained very clearly and explicitly his vision and his expectations for Japanese industries to invest more and come into India."

Miyagawa Junichiro, CEO of All Nippon Airways Trading Ltd, appreciated PM Modi's emphasis on the significance of air transportation.

He expressed optimism that India would contribute to strengthening the connectivity between the two nations, boosting travel and attracting more Japanese tourists to India.

He said, "I was very happy that PM Modi also emphasised the importance of air transportation...India is going to help enhance the network of India and Japan and promote more traffic. We hope that more and more Japanese people are visiting India..."

Maeda Tadashi, Chairman of JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation), emphasized the key sectors covered in the meeting, including recycling, nuclear energy, hydrogen, ammonia, aerospace, and food processing.

He shared that Prime Minister Modi had conveyed a strong eagerness to attract Japanese investment, reaffirming India's dedication to creating a business-friendly environment.

He said, "We broadly highlighted the most important sectors, including recycling and also nuclear, hydrogen, ammonia - many broad sectors. Also, aerospace, food processing...I received a strong aspiration from PM Modi to welcome Japanese investment."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with a high-level delegation from Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives), led by its Chairperson, Takeshi Niinami, along with 20 other business delegates, at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg on Thursday. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the discussion focused on strengthening economic ties between India and Japan.

This meeting with Japanese CEOs represents a key milestone in India-Japan relations, fostering deeper economic collaboration, investment opportunities, and cultural exchange between the two countries.

(This Article was originally published by Business Standard)