Chips, AI, rare earths: Modi to court Japan Inc

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for Tokyo on Thursday evening for a two-day visit to Japan, focused on promoting his government's "Make in India, Make for the World" initiative and highlighting the role Japanese corporations could play in it.

- ARCHIS MOHAN

The visit comes as the two countries seek stronger cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.

During his visit from August 29-30, the Prime Minister will attend a business event and meet senior executives of leading Japanese business groups, including Sony, Hitachi, Nippon, and Nomura. Modi, accompanied by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, will also travel by bullet train to Sendai, the capital of Miyagi prefecture, and tour a semiconductor factory operated by Tokyo Electron Limited.

Amid strained ties with the US, New Delhi will push to attract greater Japanese investment and increase bilateral trade.

During the visit, Japan is expected to increase its investment target in India from the earlier 5 trillion yen ($34 billion) to almost 10 trillion yen, said people in the know.

The sources said Modi will highlight opportunities for Japanese companies to make in India, a move which could help double the number of Japanese firms registered in the country, particularly in the manufacturing sector.