COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · JAPAN
India & Japan
One of India's most consequential partnerships across finance, infrastructure, and technology. Japan is the largest provider of Official Development Assistance to India, funding metro networks, the Shinkansen-based Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail, and multiple industrial corridors. The two countries share a 2+2 ministerial dialogue and deepening security cooperation.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Japan actually work together
6 active areas of cooperation, as of 12 May 2026
Japan is India's largest ODA partner
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) loans fund Delhi Metro phases, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR), Chennai Metro, Bengaluru Metro, and the North-East Road Network. Total ODA committed exceeds ¥4 trillion across active projects.
Semiconductor supply chain partnership
A Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership signed in 2023 covers joint research, talent exchange, and co-investment in chip design and packaging. Digital Partnership covers 5G, AI, and talent mobility under iCET and bilateral tracks.
2+2 dialogue and expanding cooperation
India and Japan hold 2+2 Ministerial Dialogues on foreign and defence affairs. Joint exercises (Dharma Guardian, JIMEX) are conducted annually. The US-2 amphibious aircraft and Patriot-adjacent systems are key platform discussions.
CEPA in force since 2011
The India-Japan CEPA came into force in August 2011. Japan FDI into India totals over $40bn cumulative. Suzuki (Maruti), Honda, Toyota, Sony, and Panasonic are among the largest Japanese employers in India.
Green and digital transition
Japan-India Clean Energy Partnership covers hydrogen, ammonia co-firing, offshore wind, and grid storage. Joint financing for green hydrogen corridors announced at G7 Hiroshima 2023.
Growing student and cultural exchange
Japanese language is the most-studied East Asian language in India. Specified Skilled Worker visas opened IT and manufacturing pathways for Indians in Japan from 2019 onwards.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
All figures FY 2023–24 unless noted. Source: DGFT, Ministry of Commerce, JETRO.
Trade trajectory · USD bn
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1952, in 12 dates
Diplomatic relations established post-independence
First JICA loan extended to India
Global Partnership declaration
Strategic and Global Partnership declared
CEPA enters into force
Modi-Abe joint vision for India-Japan partnership
Annual Summit mechanism formalised
Five-year ODA package of ¥500bn announced
Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership signed
Japan-India Clean Energy Partnership expanded
MAHSR first viaduct section completed, Gujarat
2+2 dialogue - fifth edition, Tokyo
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, May 2026
The partnership is at its deepest point institutionally. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail is the most visible flagship - first viaduct sections are complete in Gujarat. The semiconductor cooperation track is gaining momentum under iCET adjacency. On trade, the CEPA is under review; both sides are negotiating expanded services and digital chapters. Japan's security posture shift (doubling defence budget to 2% GDP by 2027) has created new space for joint platform development discussions.
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IN CONTEXT