India-Japan Strategic Dialogue: Piyush Goyal Stresses Deeper Trade and Tech Ties
The India-Japan Strategic Dialogue, hosted by NDTV in New Delhi, brought together policymakers, diplomats, industry leaders, and strategic experts to strengthen cooperation between the two nations. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal delivered the keynote address, highlighting the growing collaboration in trade, technology, defence, and people-to-people exchanges.
Goyal emphasised the importance of the India-Japan partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, noting that bilateral trade has reached record levels. He called for increased investment in digital infrastructure, clean energy, and supply chain resilience. Daikin India Chairman Kanwal Jeet Jawa discussed opportunities in manufacturing and innovation, while India's Ambassador to Japan Nagma Mallick outlined cultural and educational initiatives.
The dialogue also featured Comic Con India founder Jatin Varma, who spoke about the role of popular culture in fostering mutual understanding. The event precedes the India-Japan Annual Summit, where leaders are expected to sign agreements on defence, technology, and maritime security.
Experts noted that the strategic partnership has deepened over the past decade, with Japan becoming a key partner in India's infrastructure development, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project. Both nations are also collaborating on the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the Quad alliance.
The dialogue concluded with a call for enhanced private-sector engagement and joint research in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The next phase of cooperation is expected to focus on green hydrogen, semiconductor supply chains, and defence equipment co-development.
