India-Japan Look to Steel Tech Ties

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra visited Tokyo from February 7-8, 2024, and engaged in pivotal Vice Ministerial Dialogue and Foreign Office Consultations with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions with Mr. Masataka Okano, Japan's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, covered a comprehensive review and future expansion of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, signed in 2006. The talks encompassed political relations, defence and security, trade and investment, technology, and people-to-people connections, with a mutual commitment to deepen and broaden these ties.

In his consultations with Mr. Takehiro Funakoshi, Japan’s QUAD Sherpa and Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Kwatra delved into the regional dynamics and collaborative efforts in the Indo-Pacific, alongside other mutual interests. During his India visit in March 2023, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unveiled a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' plan that focused on India's growing role.

Mr Kwatra also held discussions with Mr Hosaka Shin, Vice Minister of International Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, focusing on enhancing bilateral trade and investment, strengthening resilient supply chains, and fostering cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.

Kwatra's discussions on semiconductor collaboration with Mr. Tetsuro Higashi, Chairman of Rapidus, and Mr. Atsuyoshi Koike, President of Rapidus, mark a significant step towards technological cooperation. The meetings pave the way for future high-level bilateral engagements and highlight the strategic depth and dynamic nature of India-Japan relations. The visit comes against the backdrop of growing Japan’s private companies’ interest in the Indian tech and manufacturing market.