During her address at the India-Japan Business Conclave in Tokyo, Mallick noted that Japan ranks as India’s fifth-largest investor, having committed around $45 billion into the country over the past quarter-century.
She mentioned that nearly 1,500 Japanese enterprises have established over 5,200 business units across India, spanning sectors like automobiles, electronics, engineering, chemicals, logistics, and services.
Emphasizing the strength of bilateral relations, Mallick highlighted flagship projects such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail initiative, the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and the India-Japan AI Strategic Dialogue. She remarked that the future direction of the partnership is rooted in the eight principles agreed upon at the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, which include next-generation economic partnership, economic security, clean energy, smart mobility, ecological sustainability, technology and innovation, health cooperation, and people-to-people interactions.
Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama advocated for expanding financial cooperation beyond bilateral frameworks and identified three key areas for collaboration: investment in India’s sustainable growth, economic security cooperation, and support for the Global South along with sustainable global economic development.
Toshihiro Suzuki, President, Representative Director, and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation, stated that Maruti Suzuki’s unprecedented production of 2.35 million vehicles in FY25 places it among an elite group of global automakers, including Toyota and BYD, achieving such production levels.
With exports surpassing 448,000 units, reaching markets across Africa, West Asia, and beyond, Suzuki remarked that Maruti Suzuki embodies the “Make in India” vision. He added that the next challenge for the company will be to grow alongside “the next billion” individuals entering the next phase of India’s economic evolution.
Akiko Okumura, Executive Vice President of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), stated that India has emerged as Japan’s most attractive economic partner, with over 80% of Japanese firms operating in India intending to expand their operations.
She noted that Japanese investments have diversified beyond traditional manufacturing and automotive sectors, now encompassing semiconductors, financial services, startups, and information technology. India is increasingly recognized not only as a significant consumer market but also as a vital global production and export hub, she added.
