Quad, Bullet Train, and Semiconductors: PM Modi’s Japan Visit Packed with Strategic Deals

New Delhi, August 29, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a crucial two-day visit to Japan aimed at deepening economic, technological, and defence cooperation between the two nations. The 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, where Mr. Modi meets his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, comes at a time when global trade tensions are high and the Quad grouping is recalibrating its role in the Indo-Pacific. Japan-based media platform Nikkei Asia reported that Tokyo will pump in a staggering 10 trillion yen ($68 billion) to boost bilateral business with India over the next decade. This investment is expected to focus on high-impact sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, environment, and medicine — areas crucial to both nations’ economic growth and resilience. In a post on X ahead of his departure, Mr. Modi underscored the vision for his trip: “We would endeavor to give new wings to our collaboration, expand scope and ambition of our economic and investment ties, and advance cooperation in new and emerging technologies, including AI and semiconductors.” Quad and Indo-Pacific Strategy The Ministry of External Affairs described the Quad — the strategic grouping of India, Japan, the US, and Australia — as an “important platform” on the agenda. The alliance, initially forged to balance China’s growing clout, has recently been tested by friction over trade. Relations among Quad partners soured after US President Donald Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India, drawing sharp reactions from New Delhi. Adding to the tension, Japan’s trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa abruptly cancelled a scheduled US visit today, a move likely to delay finalisation of a $550 billion Japanese investment package meant to soothe American concerns over tariffs. While Mr. Trump insisted that the package represented “our money to invest, as we like” with the US retaining 90 per cent of the profits, Japanese officials pushed back, stressing that the investment must be based on mutual benefits. Bullet Train and Industrial Ties Mr. Modi’s itinerary includes visits to Tokyo’s Electron Factory and the Tohoku Shinkansen plant in Sendai, where bullet train coaches are manufactured. He and Mr. Ishiba are expected to push forward discussions on Japan’s participation in India’s ambitious bullet train project, which has faced both cost and timeline challenges. By visiting the Shinkansen facility, Mr. Modi aims to send a strong signal of India’s commitment to modernising its transport infrastructure while deepening industrial collaboration with Japan. Defence and Beyond Security cooperation is another major talking point. The Indian Navy and Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force are exploring avenues for ship maintenance collaboration in India, a move that could reduce costs and enhance maritime readiness in the Indo-Pacific. Defence ties between New Delhi and Tokyo have steadily expanded over the years, and this visit is expected to give them further momentum. Following the Japan leg, Mr. Modi will travel to Tianjin, China, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Balancing ties with both Japan and China, while navigating global trade strains, underscores the delicate diplomacy India is undertaking. As economic stakes rise and geopolitical challenges grow sharper, Mr. Modi’s packed schedule in Japan reflects the urgency of fortifying partnerships that will define India’s role in the global order of the next decade. PM Modi in Japan: Big Moves on Tech, Defence & Bullet Train PM Narendra Modi has arrived in Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with PM Shigeru Ishiba. The visit promises to strengthen ties across technology, defence, and infrastructure. Japan has announced a massive investment of 10 trillion yen ($68B) in India over the next decade, focusing on AI, semiconductors, medicine, and green tech. Modi will also visit the Shinkansen plant in Sendai to push India’s bullet train project forward. Defence cooperation is on the agenda, with both navies exploring new partnerships. This visit sets the stage for stronger Indo-Pacific collaboration and future-ready growth. #PMModi #JapanVisit #IndiaJapan #BulletTrain #Quad #Semiconductors #AI #IndoPacific #GlobalTies #EconomicGrowth