Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called India a “powerhouse of talent” and urged Japanese companies to “Make in India, Make for the World”, highlighting the country’s potential as a hub for investment and innovation.
Speaking at the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo, PM Modi began his address with “Namaskar, Konnichiwa,” and underlined India’s transformation, political stability, policy predictability, and rapid economic growth. “India is the world’s fastest-growing economy and on its way to becoming the third-largest,” he said.
Emphasizing the depth of bilateral ties, he noted, “From metro to manufacturing, from semiconductors to start-ups, India-Japan partnership is now a symbol of mutual trust.” He urged collaboration in manufacturing, technology, green energy, innovation, and skill development, adding, “Just as we have succeeded in the auto sector, we can create the same magic in batteries, robotics, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and nuclear energy.”
Highlighting India as a gateway to emerging economies, Modi said, “India is the springboard for Japanese business to the Global South. Together, we will shape the Asian century for stability, growth, and prosperity.” He stressed that both nations could play a pivotal role in the development of Africa.
PM Modi also showcased India’s attractiveness for Japanese investors, pointing out that Japanese companies have invested $13 billion in India in the last two years. Citing a report presented at the forum, he said, “India is the most promising destination—80% of companies want to expand, and 75% are already making profits. In India, capital doesn’t just grow, it multiplies.”
On skill partnerships, he highlighted India’s young workforce as a global resource: “India’s skilled youth can meet worldwide demand. If we train them in Japanese language and expertise, we can build a Japan-ready workforce. A shared workforce will lead to shared prosperity.”
PM Modi also underlined opportunities in clean energy and infrastructure. He reaffirmed India’s targets of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, urging joint projects in solar, green hydrogen, and the Japan-India joint credit mechanism. He further praised progress in next-gen mobility, port expansion, and logistics, while acknowledging Japan’s cooperation in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.
In his concluding remarks, he said: “India and Japan will together shape the Asian century.”
Earlier in the day, PM Modi also held summit-level talks with his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba. This marks Modi’s first visit to Japan since the 2018 Annual Summit.
