Jaishankar Sees Japanese Conglomerate Playing Key Role in India’s Growth Story
Japanese trading and investment giant Sumitomo Corporation could play a significant role in helping achieve the ambitious target of ¥10 trillion in Japanese investment into India over the next decade, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said after meeting the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Shingo Ueno, in New Delhi.
The statement comes amid growing economic cooperation between India and Japan, with both countries deepening ties across manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, supply chains, and clean energy. Sumitomo, one of Japan’s largest integrated trading companies, already has a strong presence in India through investments spanning industrial parks, transportation, real estate, energy, and financial services.
The development signals continued confidence among Japanese corporations in India’s long-term growth prospects as the country positions itself as a global manufacturing and investment destination.
Jaishankar Highlights Make in India Opportunity
Following the meeting, Jaishankar appreciated Sumitomo’s commitment to the “Make in India“ initiative and emphasized the company’s potential contribution to India’s modernization and industrial expansion agenda.
According to the minister, discussions focused on opportunities for Japanese businesses to participate in India’s economic transformation and infrastructure development. He noted that Sumitomo could become a key contributor toward achieving the broader investment goals outlined under the India-Japan strategic partnership.
The remarks reflect New Delhi’s continued efforts to attract long-term foreign investment into sectors critical to economic growth, including manufacturing, logistics, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and advanced technologies.
India-Japan Economic Partnership Gains Momentum
The announcement comes against the backdrop of a strengthened India-Japan relationship. In recent years, both countries have expanded cooperation through initiatives focused on supply chain resilience, semiconductor manufacturing, critical minerals, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.
Earlier, India and Japan reviewed progress under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both sides exploring ways to enhance trade, investment, and business collaboration. Policymakers from both countries have repeatedly highlighted the importance of creating a stable and predictable framework for businesses looking to expand operations.
Strategic Investment Opportunities Ahead
Industry experts believe Japanese investments could play an important role in supporting India’s ambitions to become a global manufacturing hub. Companies like Sumitomo bring not only capital but also expertise in industrial development, technology transfer, infrastructure creation, and global supply chain integration.
As India accelerates investments in manufacturing, green energy, logistics, and digital infrastructure, Japanese corporations are expected to emerge as important partners in the country’s next phase of economic growth. The latest discussions indicate that bilateral economic cooperation is likely to remain a key pillar of the India-Japan relationship in the years ahead.