A historic turning point

On August 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan and held a summit meeting with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The outcome was the Japan–India Joint Statement and a Shared Vision for the Next 10 Years. This agreement is not a mere extension of past cooperation but marks a significant step up in both scale and substance.

Key highlights include:

• JPY 10 trillion investment target in India (the previous goal of “JPY 5 trillion in 5 years” was already achieved within 3 years)

• Establishment of an Economic Security Initiative (covering semiconductors, critical minerals, etc.)

• Launch of Japan–India Digital Partnership 2.0 and an AI Collaboration Initiative (JAI)

• Continued cooperation on high-speed rail projects (including potential new system introduction, as reported)

• Energy cooperation: agreements on hydrogen and ammonia, and a new JCM framework

• People-to-people exchange: 500,000 individuals over five years, including 50,000 Indian workers and trainees in Japan

• Strengthened space cooperation

This is truly the beginning of a Golden Decade.

What does this mean for businesses?

For Japanese companies

• Expanding growth markets: India is emerging as a massive EV market. Suzuki’s model of producing EVs in India and exporting globally is potentially defining strategy for many others to follow.

• Diversified talent for resilience: The inflow of Indian professionals in IT and healthcare will enhance Japan’s corporate competitiveness.

• Stronger economic security: Partnering with India in semiconductor manufacturing offers Japan alternative supply chain options.

For Indian companies

• Technology adoption and upgrading: Renewable energy developers in India are already leveraging Japanese battery storage technologies to scale operations.

• Enhanced quality and reliability: Partnerships with Japanese firms enable Indian manufacturers to meet global standards and expand into Europe and the U.S.

• New frontiers: ISRO’s collaboration with Japan in next-generation space exploration highlights India’s rising global presence.

The future we see ahead

• Reshaping global supply chains: Diversifying away from reliance on Taiwan and South Korea, with India–Japan as a new hub.

• Driving decarbonization: Combining Japan’s hydrogen technology with India’s renewable energy market to accelerate clean energy in Asia.

• Blending talent and culture: Cross-border mobility of engineers, caregivers, and researchers will add depth and diversity to both economies.

• A new phase of security cooperation: Joint projects in defense equipment and space demonstrate the integration of economic and security collaboration.

Research: from optional to necessity

To seize these opportunities, research is no longer optional—it is essential. With policies and agreements evolving constantly, making decisions without accurate data and deep analysis poses immense risks.

What matters most:

• Identifying the right industries and regions for investment

• Mapping vulnerabilities and strengths in supply chains

• Tracking policy shifts and regulatory changes in real time

This makes trusted information partners essential. In a world overflowing with data, working with providers who deliver curated insights, on-the-ground perspectives, and objective analysis is the first step toward business success.

From data to action: build your strategy

Research provides insights, but the real value comes from turning them into strategies unique to each company.

• For Japanese companies: Reframe India not merely as a “low-cost base” but as a growth market, and design roadmaps to participate in EVs, high-speed rail, and defense sectors over the long term.

• For Indian companies: Absorb Japanese capital and technology, align them with local strengths, and expand collaborations in clean energy and digital infrastructure.

The key is this: it’s not enough to collect information. Each company must ask: “Where will we compete, and how will we win?” Clarity in this independent perspective will determine whether the “Golden Decade” turns into tangible results.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan was more than a diplomatic event—it was the signal that the execution phase for business has begun. By combining research (to know) and strategy (to act independently), Indian and Japanese companies alike can transform this golden decade into lasting success.

How is your company preparing for this Golden Decade?

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