India and Japan share a deep-rooted strategic partnership, built on economic cooperation, democracy, and cultural ties, said Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, at the India-Japan Economy and Investment Forum. Economic & Cultural Synergy The Minister noted Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods trace their origins to India, symbolising centuries-old cultural connections. He likened the India-Japan relationship to “Sushi and Spices”—distinct yet complementary elements creating an extraordinary partnership. With $43 billion in Japanese FDI since 2000, Japan is India’s fifth-largest investor. CEPA & Infrastructure Collaborations The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2011, has driven bilateral trade, with over 1,400 Japanese companies operating in India. Key infrastructure projects, such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail, metro systems in Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Chennai, underscore Japan’s role in India’s progress. Boosting Manufacturing & Exports Under PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, India aims to increase manufacturing’s GDP share to 25%, with Japan as a critical partner. Highlighting the Maruti-Suzuki success, the Minister stressed building global brands through Indo-Japanese collaboration. He reaffirmed the focus on trade, technology, tourism, and investment as pillars of India’s economic strategy. India’s Competitive Edge & Workforce Strength Goyal outlined five key drivers of India's economic growth: Decisive Leadership Demographic Dividend Democracy Diversity Domestic Demand from 1.4 Billion People He emphasised India’s pro-business policies, improved ease of doing business, and public-private R&D initiatives. With 43% of STEM graduates being women, India offers a skilled workforce to fuel global innovation. Quality Standards & Future Opportunities The Minister underscored Japan as a benchmark for manufacturing excellence, encouraging Indian firms to adopt Kaizen and Lean Six Sigma practices. He also highlighted efforts to balance trade with Japan, boosting Indian exports. The Road Ahead: Green Energy & AI Innovation Goyal invited Japan to invest in India’s green energy, renewables, semiconductors, electronic goods, and AI-driven industries. He reaffirmed that digital transformation and sustainability will define the next phase of Indo-Japanese collaboration.