Japan

India and Japan are collaborating in areas as diverse as finance, connectivity, infrastructure, space research, railways, IT, healthcare and agriculture

Last updated: March 12, 2024

The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) of 2011 is the most comprehensive of all such agreements concluded by India

PM Shinzo Abe pledged US$35bn investment in India's public and private sectors over the next five years

Japan is one of the largest bilateral investors in India

1,441 Japanese companies are registered in India, as of October 2018

As per the Ease of Doing Business report for 2019, Japan is ranked 29th among 190 countries globally

US$ 14.45 billion
Bilateral trade during April-November 2022

US$ 20.57 billion

Bilateral trade in FY 2021-22

73%
Growth in India's imports from Japan

Concurrent Accreditation Relations with the Republic of Marshall Islands is handled by the Indian Embassy in Tokyo

3rd

largest economy in the world, with a GDP of US$ 5.2 trillion

Ranking

The Global Competitiveness Report for 2019 ranked Japan the sixth most globally competitive country in the world,

Top 3

Japan ranked among the top three countries highest expenditure on research and development (R&D), as percentage of national GDP

52

of the Fortune Global 500 companies are headquartered in Japan

Patent

Japan has the second-highest number of patent applications per one million people

Education

Japan’s education levels are the second-highest in the world

Competitiveness

Japan is the 6th most competitive nation in the world out of 140 countries ranked in the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 published by the World Economic Forum

Defence Agreement

Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of India Concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Indian Armed Forces (2021)
India-Japan Bilateral Relations

A summary of the bilateral engagements between India and Japan.

List of Agreements/MoUs and announcements during the India-Japan Summit

List of Agreements/MoUs signed
India-Japan Sustainable Development Initiative for the North Eastern Region of India

India and Japan have decided to launch a comprehensive initiative for sustainable development of NER. This will complement existing developmental initiatives of the State Governments of NER and the Government of India.

India-Japan Clean Energy Partnership

Cooperation under this partnership will build on the work already being covered out by the two sides under the foundation of the ‘India-Japan Energy Dialogue’ established in 2007 and will substantially expand the areas of collaboration for mutual benefit.

India-Japan Summit Joint Statement Partnership for a Peaceful, Stable and Prosperous Post-COVID World

The Prime Ministers recognized that the Summit was taking place at a significant time as the two countries were celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations and India was celebrating the 75th anniversary of its independence. They reviewed the developments since the last Annual Summit and discussed wide ranging areas of cooperation.
India - Japan Agreements/ Statements, 2018

Announcements/Agreements signed between India and Japan during PM's visit to Japan
Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India and Japan and the Secretary of State of the United States following the 4th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, India and Japan and the Secretary of State of the United States met in Melbourne, Australia on 11 February 2022, for the fourth Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. In meeting, they reaffirmed the Quad’s commitment to supporting Indo Pacific countries’ efforts to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific – a region which is inclusive and resilient, and in which states strive to protect the interests of their people, free from coercion.
India-Japan MoC on healthcare 2018

Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and the Kanagawa Prefectural Government of Japan in the field of Healthcare and Wellness
14th India Japan Annual Summit (19 March 2022; New Delhi)

At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Japan H.E. Mr. Kishida Fumio will be undertaking an official visit to New Delhi from 19-20 March 2022 for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit. The Summit would be the first meeting of the two leaders. The previous India-Japan Annual Summit took place in Tokyo in October 2018.

Initiative for Strengthening Bamboo Value Chain in the North East

The economic development of the North East Region of India is envisaged through identification of market / industry and thereafter product-planning, production, logistics, with appropriate marrying of traditional skills and innovation in design and branding.
Memorandum of Cooperation in Sustainable Urban Development

The MoU will look to increase bilateral cooperation in the domains of Disaster Resilience, Urban Flood Management, Smart Cities Development and Wastewater Management among others.

India's Exports and Imports to Japan

Source: Department of Commerce

S.No. \Year 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023
1. EXPORT 4,861.73 4,520.25 4,434.59 6,176.77 5,461.34
2. %Growth -7.02 -1.90 39.29 -11.58
3. India’s Total Export 330,078.09 313,361.04 291,808.48 422,004.40 450,958.43
4. %Growth -5.06 -6.88 44.62 6.86
5. %Share 1.47 1.44 1.52 1.46 1.21
6. IMPORT 12,772.67 12,434.67 10,924.74 14,399.77 16,495.32
7. %Growth -2.65 -12.14 31.81 14.55
8. India’s Total Import 514,078.42 474,709.28 394,435.88 613,052.05 714,042.45
9. %Growth -7.66 -16.91 55.43 16.47
10. %Share 2.48 2.62 2.77 2.35 2.31
11. TOTAL TRADE 17,634.40 16,954.92 15,359.33 20,576.54 21,956.66
12. %Growth -3.85 -9.41 33.97 6.71
13. India’s Total Trade 844,156.51 788,070.32 686,244.36 1,035,056.45 1,165,000.88
14. %Growth -6.64 -12.92 50.83 12.55
15. %Share 2.09 2.15 2.24 1.99 1.88
16. TRADE BALANCE -7,910.94 -7,914.41 -6,490.15 -8,222.99 -11,033.99
17. India’s Trade Balance -184,000.33 -161,348.24 -102,627.40 -191,047.65 -263,084.03

Note:Since 2006-07, Petroleum figures are being computed from Import Daily trade Returns (DTRs) to genetate country-wise/port-wise tables. Up to 2005-06 consolidated petroleum import figures were being received from the Petroleum Ministry.

JETRO Japan External Trade Organization

+81-3-35825511

Visit Website

Ark Mori Building, 6F 12-32, Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6006 Japan

Embassy of India, Japan

+81 3 3262-2391 to 97

Visit Website

First Secretary (Trade)

2-2-11 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0074

Consulate General of India, Osaka- Kobe, Japan

+81-6-62617299/9299

Visit Website

10th Floor, Semba I.S. Building, 9-26,
Kyutaromachi, 1-chome, Chuo-Ku,
Osaka-541-0056

Opportunities

Agricultural exports

    Apple juice (excl. of 2009.71), unfermented & not cont. added spirit, wheth … (200979)
    Grape juice, incl. grape must (excl. of 2009.61), unfermented & not cont. a … (200969)
    Juice of any single citrus fruit other than orange/grapefruit (excl. of 200 … (200939)
    Orange juice, frozen, unfermented & not cont. added spirit, whether or not … (200911)
    Orange juice, not frozen (excl. of 2009.19), unfermented & not cont. added … (200919)
    OTHER JUICES (200989)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    Beer made from malt (220300)
    Fermented beverages (e.g., cider, perry, mead), n.e.s.; mixts. of fermented … (220600)
    Liqueurs & cordials (220870)
    Mineral waters (nat./art.) & aerated waters, not cont. added sugar/oth. swe … (220110)
    Non-alcoholic beverages other than waters of 2202.10 (not incl. fruit/veg. … (220290)
    Sparkling wine of fresh grapes (220410)
    Spirits obt. by distilling grape wine/grape marc (220820)
    Whiskies (220830)
    Wine other than sparkling wine of fresh grapes, incl. fortified; grape must with fermentation prevented/arrested by the addition of alcohol, in containters of >10 l (220429)
    Wine other than sparkling wine of fresh grapes, incl. fortified; grape must with fermentation prevented/arrested by the addition of alcohol, in containters of 2 l/less (220421)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    CASEINATE OTHER CASEIN DRVTS ANDCASEIN GLUES (350190)
    Cuts & edible offal of species Gallus domesticus, frozen (020714)
    DRIED (EGG ALBUMIN ) (350211)
    Edible offal of bovine animals (excl. tongues & livers), frozen (020629)
    Edible offal of bovine animals, fresh/chilled (020610)
    Edible offal of swine (excl. liver), frozen (020649)
    Edible parts of plants, prepd./presvd., whether or not cont. added sugar/ot … (200899)
    FEATHERS OF A KIND USED FOR STUFFING;DOWN (050510)
    Guts, bladders & stomachs of animals (other than fish), whole & pieces ther … (050400)
    Meat of bovine animals, fresh/chilled, boneless (020130)
    Meat of bovine animals, frozen, boneless (020230)
    Meat of sheep (excl. lamb), fresh/chilled, boneless (020423)
    Meat of swine (excl. carcasses/half-carcasses/hams/shoulders & cuts thereof ), fresh/chilled (020319)
    Meat of swine (excl. carcasses/half-carcasses/hams/shoulders & cuts thereof ), froxen (020329)
    PIG FAT (020910)
    Sausages & sim. prods., of meat/meat offal/blood; food preps. based on thes … (160100)
    Shoulders of swine & cuts thereof (160242)
    Tongues of bovine animals, frozen (020621)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits & oth. bakers’ wares n.e.s. in Ch.19, whethe … (190590)
    Sugar confectionery other than chewing gum (incl. white chocolate), not con … (170490)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    Maize (corn), other than seed (100590)
    Malt extract; oth. food preps. of flour/groats/meal/starch/malt extact [see … (190190)
    Malt, not roasted (110710)
    OTHER BARLEY EXCL SEED (100390)
    OTHER DURUM WHEAT EXCL SEED (100119)
    OTHER GRAIN SORGHUM EXCL SEED (100790)
    OTHER WHEAT AND MESLIN (100199)
    Semi-milled/wholly milled rice, whether or not polished/glazed (100630)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    LACTS AND LACTS SYRP CONTNG 99% OR MRE LACTSCALCTD ON THE DRY MATTER (170211)
    Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume <80%vol; oth. ... (220890)
    Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol. (220710)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    Chocolate & oth. food preps. cont. cocoa (excl. of 1803.10-1806.10), in blo … (180620)
    Chocolate & oth. food preps. cont. cocoa (excl. of 1806.20-1806.32) (180690)
    Chocolate & oth. food preps. cont. cocoa, in blocks/slabs/bars, weighing 2k … (180631)
    Chocolate & oth. food preps. cont. cocoa, in blocks/slabs/bars, weighing 2k … (180632)
    Cocoa beans, whole/broken, raw/roasted (180100)
    Cocoa butter, fat & oil (180400)
    Cocoa paste, not defatted (180310)
    Cocoa powder, not cont. added sugar/oth. sweetening matter (180500)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    Cheese (excl. of 0406.10-0406.40) (040690)
    Fresh (unripened/uncured) cheese, incl. whey cheese, & curd (040610)
    MILK ALBUMIN INCLDNG CONCENTRATES OF TWO OR MORE WHEY PROTEINS (350220)
    Milk in powder/granules/oth. solid form, fat content by wt. not >1.5% (040210)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    Uncooked pasta, not stuffed/othw. prepd., not cont. eggs (190219)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    Chrysanthemums (060314)
    ROSES (060311)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    CARNATIONS (060312)
    CHRYSANTHEMUMS (060314)
    ORCHIDS (060313)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    Food preps., n.e.s. (210690)
    INACTV YEAST,OTHR SNGL-CELL DEAD MICR-ORG (210220)
    Mixes & doughs for the preparation of bakers’ wares of 19.05 (190120)
    Natural honey (040900)
    Prepared/presvd. preps. of fowls of the genus Gallus domesticus (excl. homo … (160232)
    Prepared/presvd. preps. of swine (excl. of 1602.41, 1602.42 & homogenised p … (160249)
    Sauces & preps. therefor, n.e.s.; mixed condiments & mixed seasonings, n.e. … (210390)
    Soups & broths & preps. therefor (210410)
    Whey & modified whey, whether or not concentrated/sweetened (040410)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    Asparagus, fresh/chilled (070920)
    Avocados, fresh/dried (080440)
    BAMBOO SHOOTS (200591)
    BANANAS FRSH OR DRIED (080390)
    Betel leaves (140490)
    Bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns & rhizomes, dormant (060110)
    Citrus fruit, prepd./presvd., whether or not cont. added sugar/oth. sweeten … (200830)
    Fresh foliage, branches and plants, nt hving flowers / buds, and grasses, mosses and lichens fresh, dried, dyed (060420)
    Fruit & nuts, n.e.s., uncooked/cooked by steaming/boiling in water, frozen, … (081190)
    Fruits of the genera capsicum/pimenta, fresh/chilled (070960)
    Garlic, fresh/chilled (070320)
    Grapefruit, fresh/dried (080540)
    Grapes, dried (080620)
    Grapes, fresh (080610)
    Kiwifruit, fresh (081050)
    Leeks & oth. alliaceous vegetables, fresh/chilled (070390)
    Lemons (Citrus limon/limonum) & limes (Citrus aurantifolia/latifolia), fres … (080550)
    Live plants, n.e.s., incl. their roots; mushroom spawn (060290)
    Mushrooms other than of the genus Agaricus, fresh/chilled (070959)
    Onions & shallots, fresh/chilled (070310)
    Oranges, fresh/dried (080510)
    OTHER CANE SUGAR: (170114)
    OTHERS (E.G.TRUFFLES ETC.)DRIED. (071239)
    Peaches, incl. nectarines, prepd./presvd., whether or not cont. added sugar … (200870)
    Pineapples, fresh/dried (080430)
    Potatoes, prepd./presvd. othw. than by vinegar/acetic acid, frozen, other t … (200410)
    PUMPKINS, SQUASH AND GOURDS (CUCURBITA SPP.)- FRUITS (070993)
    Spinach, New Zealand spinach & orache spinach (garden spinach), uncooked/co … (071030)
    Strawberries, uncooked/cooked by steaming/boiling in water, frozen, whether … (081110)
    Sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata), prepd./presvd. othw. than by vinegar … (200580)
    Sweet corn, uncooked/cooked by steaming/boiling in water, frozen (071040)
    Tomatoes, prepd./presvd. othw. than by vinegar/acetic acid, other than whol … (200290)
    Tomatoes, prepd./presvd. othw. than by vinegar/acetic acid, whole/in pieces … (200210)
    Vegetable seeds, of a kind used for sowing (120991)
    Vegetables (excl. olives/capers/cucumbers & gherkins/mushrooms), provisiona … (071190)
    Vegetables & mixts. of vegetables, presvd./presvd. othw. than by vinegar/ac … (200490)
    Vegetables, fruit, nuts & oth. edible parts of plants (excl. cucumbers & gh … (200190)
    Vegetables, n.e.s., uncooked/cooked by steaming/boiling in water, frozen (071080)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    Beans (Vigna spp., Phaseolus spp.), shelled, prepd./presvd. othw. than by v … (200551)
    Beans of the species vigna mungo (l.)/hepper/vigna radiata (l.) wilczek, dr … (071331)
    Dried vegetables, n.e.s.; mixts. of dried vegetables, whole/cut/sliced/brok … (071290)
    Leguminous vegetables (excl. of 0710.21 & 0710.22), shelled/unshelled, unco … (071029)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    Crustacean – Frozen, shrimps and prawns, excluding cold water varieties, in shell or not, smoked, cooked or notbefor or during smoking, in shell, cooked bt steaming or boiling in water
    Crustacean Preparation – Frozen, shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved not in airtight containers
    Fish fillet; frozen tunas (of the genus thunnus), skipjack or stripped – bellied bonito (Euthynnus (katsuwonus) pellannis)
    Fish fillet; frozen, salmon pacific (onchorhynchus gorbuscha, onchorhynchus keta, onchorhynchus tshawytscha, onchorhynchus kisutch, onchorhynchus masou, onchorhynchus rhodurus) other than sockeye salmon (onchorhynchus nerka) excluding fillets, livers, roes and other fish meat.
    Molluscs; cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, frozen, dried, salted, in brine, or smoked, cooked or not before or during the smoking process.

    fishexchange.mpeda.gov.in

    GROUND-NUT, NOT ROASTED OR OTHERWISE COOKED, WHETHER OR NOT SHELLED OR BROKEN-IN SHELLED WHETHER OR NOT BROKEN (120242)
    Ground-nuts, prepd./presvd., whether or not cont. added/sugar/oth. sweeteni … (200811)
    Nuts (excl. ground-nuts), incl. mixts., prepd./presvd., whether or not cont … (200819)
    Walnuts, shelled (080232)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

    OTHER (200599)

    agriexchange.apeda.gov.in
Employment Opportunities

*Information subject to changes amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Owing to the aging local population and workforce crunch, Japan has been opening its doors to more foriegn workers. A diverse set of sectors in the country are in need of workers, from agriculture to manufacturing, financial services to IT and communications.

Currently around 38619 Indians live in Japan. The old Indian community in Japan focused on trading in textiles, commodities and electronics, which has now expanded into gems and jewelry, IT and telecoms, financial services, teaching and research.

More Info: Work or Long-term stay Working visa: Skilled labor Visas and Landing Permission Immigration Procedures

    Academic research and doctoral-level studies.

    In order to promote local universities globally and facilitate surrounding opportunities, Japan’s education ministry has launched initiatives to attract foreign students. Academic research as well as scientific and technological R&D attracts large of foreign ers to various institutions around Japan.

    Skilled professionals can apply for an Express Entry visa

    Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and TechnologyLong-term visa

    Farming, fisheries, dairy, animal husbandry

    Given the paucity of land for farming, the nation has employed precision technology and skills to boost local agricultural production. Large-scale farming activity in Japan is supported by foreign workers.

    Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and FisheriesLong-term visa

    Public and private infrastructure building, maintenance

    Japanese construction sector has been growing steadily with the valuation of activity rising to US$595 billion in 2018. Construction of civic infrastructure and connectivity projects has been supported by foreign workers at different levels in Japan.

    Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and TourismLong-term visa

    Conventional energy, power utilities and renewable energy jobs

    Given the advanced nature of the economy, energy consumption in Japan remains high and offers lucrative jobs. Power utilities to renewable energy services employ foreign resources and manpower.

    Ministry of Economy, Trade and IndustryLong-term visa

    Tax, accounting, banking, insurance, audit and other financial services

    Japan has employed a robust mechanism with infusion of over US$230 billion in 2008-09 to strengthen the economy. Financial services in Japan are supported by foreign workers at different capacities.

    Ministry of Finance JapanLong-term visa

    Doctors, nurses, radiologists, lab technicians

    The world’s third-largest economy has strong measures in place to offer equitable access to quality healthcare with the universal health insurance system founded in 1961. Japan attracts large number of healthcare workers ranging from doctors to nurses and lab technicians.

    Ministry of Health, Labour and WelfareLong-term visa

    Culinary, server, personalcare, hotel, tour and travel staffing

    With 21 World Heritage Sites, Japan drew more than 31 million international tourists in 2018. The hospitality sector in Japan, ranging from hotels to tourism to personal care, employs large number of foreign workers.

    Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and TourismLong-term visa

    Software, hardware, new technology in telecoms and communications

    Japan IT industry is keen to fill the void in human resources by partnering with India, as per Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The IT and ICT infrastructure in Japan employs foreign workers in large numbers.

    Ministry of Internal Affairs and CommunicationsLong-term visa

    Automobile to food products production

    Manufacturing has powered Japan’s economy, contributing around 90% of Japan’s exports. The manufacturing industry in Japan, covering a range of products, draws foreign manpower.

    Ministry of Economy, Trade and IndustryLong-term visa

    Jobs in physical retail, sales

    Japan retail sector has reported steady expansion owing to increasing application of the latest technology as well as rising affordability. Retail operations in Japan employ a large number of foreign workers.

    Ministry of Economy, Trade and IndustryLong-term visa

    Faculty positions up to uninversity

    Japan has around 800 universities with more than 2.6 million undergraduate students. The education sector in Japan, ranging from schools to universities draw foreign teaching staff from different disciplines.

    Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and TechnologyLong-term visa
Minerals

Priority Sectors

Here are the leading sectors of opportunities for foreign investors

Agriculture
Automobile
Automobile Components
Biotechnology
Chemicals
Construction
Electronic Systems
Healthcare
IT and BPM
Mining
Oil and Natural Gas
Pharmaceuticals
Railways
Renewable Energy
Retail & E-commerce
Textiles and Garments
Tourism
Wellness

Top Import/ Export Items

India's top import from Japan
  • Machinery
  • Iron and steel products
  • Plastic materials
  • Non-ferrous metals
  • Parts of motor vehicles
  • Organic chemicals
  • Manufactures of metals
  • Petroleum products
India's top export to Japan
  • Petroleum products
  • Chemicals
  • Elements, compounds
  • Chemicals
  • Non-metallic mineral ware
  • Fish & fish preparations
  • Metalliferous ores & scrap
  • Clothing & accessories
  • Textile yarn, fabric
  • Iron & steel products
  • Machinery

Bilateral Investors

Apollo Tyres - Automobile tyres

Aurobindo Pharma - Pharmaceuticals

Hero Motor Corp Ltd - Two wheeler motorcycle manufacturer

Indian Oil Corporation - integrated energy major with presence in almost all the streams of oil

Infosys Ltd- IT

Steel Authority of India Ltd - Steel producer

Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd - Producer of photographic films

Fujitsu India Ltd - IT products and services

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd - Engineering, electrical equipment and electronics company

Toyota Motor Corporation - Trucks, cars, SUVs, hybrids and minivans

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd - Motorcycles

Yamaha Motor India Limited - Two wheeler manufacture

Sony India Pvt. Ltd - Electrical goods

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