Japan renews 10 trillion yen investment pledge for India over the next 10 years

Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to invest 10 trillion yen in India over the next decade, with Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama describing the bilateral partnership as one that could become "the most important relationship in the world", according to a statement.

Addressing the Rising India 2 India-Japan Business Conclave, Katayama said the investment target, agreed during the 2025 India-Japan summit, would support India's long-term economic growth through greater cooperation in infrastructure, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.

She said India remains the largest recipient of Japanese yen loans, with Japan continuing to support major infrastructure projects ranging from the Delhi Metro to industrial corridors.

Highlighting economic security as another pillar of bilateral ties, Katayama said India and Japan are working together to diversify critical mineral supply chains and reduce dependence on any single country. She also referred to Japan's support for energy and resource security initiatives across Asia.

Calling India the world's largest democracy and an increasingly influential voice of the Global South, the Japanese minister said closer cooperation between the two countries would contribute to regional and global stability.

In an interaction following her address, Katayama praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a great leader and expressed admiration for India's Aadhaar digital identity system, saying Japan was keen to deepen cooperation in the area of digital governance.

At the conclave, Suzuki Motor Corporation President Toshihiro Suzuki reaffirmed the company's long-term commitment to India, saying it would continue to walk alongside Bharat and contribute to the country's development.

The auto firm highlighted Maruti Suzuki's record production of 2.35 million vehicles and exports of about 4.48 lakh units in FY25, while outlining the company's multi-pathway mobility strategy covering electric vehicles, hybrids, CNG, biofuels and biogas.

He also announced the Next Bharat Ventures initiative to support Indian entrepreneurs, agriculture and rural businesses, saying the company aims to contribute to the development of the country's next phase of growth.