Synopsis: India and Japan agree to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, semiconductors, ICT, and clean energy to strengthen resilient supply chains and economic security partnerships.
India and Japan have agreed to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, semiconductors, information and communication technology (ICT), clean energy, and pharmaceuticals as both countries strengthen their economic security partnership amid rising geopolitical and supply chain challenges. The discussions took place during the second India-Japan Economic Security Dialogue held in New Delhi between senior officials from both nations.
The dialogue focused on building resilient and diversified supply chains in sectors considered strategically important for economic growth, national security, and technological advancement. Officials from both countries discussed ways to enhance industrial collaboration, encourage private sector participation, and accelerate investments in emerging technologies, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing and critical mineral processing.
India and Japan also reviewed progress made under earlier bilateral agreements signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan in 2025. These include partnerships related to rare earth processing, semiconductor supply chains, AI, telecommunications, and clean energy technologies. Both nations emphasised the importance of reducing overdependence on limited global suppliers and strengthening trusted economic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
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During the discussions, representatives from industry bodies including the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) also presented recommendations aimed at improving industrial coordination and easing barriers to technology collaboration. Officials agreed to promote stronger public-private partnerships to support innovation and long-term economic resilience.
Semiconductors and critical minerals emerged as major focus areas due to increasing global competition for advanced chip manufacturing and raw materials essential for electric vehicles, batteries, clean energy systems, and digital infrastructure. Japan is expected to support India through technology collaboration, investments, and supply chain partnerships as India expands its domestic semiconductor ecosystem and mineral security strategy.
The dialogue also highlighted cooperation in ICT sectors such as AI, Open RAN telecom technologies, and digital infrastructure. Both countries are looking to expand strategic cooperation under the broader framework of the Quad and Indo-Pacific economic initiatives.
Analysts believe the growing India-Japan partnership reflects a larger global effort to create secure and diversified supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and evolving technological competition.