Union Minister Piyush Goyal begins trade expansion mission across Japan

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal landed at Haneda Airport on Sunday to lead India’s largest-ever business delegation to Japan, aiming to boost commercial ties and attract high-value manufacturing capital. The four-day official tour runs from August 24 to 27 and brings roughly 200 corporate leaders representing key sectors like semiconductors, clean energy, steel, automobiles, healthcare, financial services, and startups. Tokyo serves as the opening base for high-level engagements. Goyal will participate in an executive round-table with Keidanren, the prestigious business federation that represents more than 1,500 Japanese corporations. The schedule includes dedicated sessions on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, alongside direct discussions with institutional investors. Bilateral government talks will feature an official meeting with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Akazawa Ryosei, alongside interactions with lawmakers and the Indian community.

Targeting Automotive and Heavy Manufacturing Hubs

Nagoya forms the second stop on the itinerary. Goyal will direct an industrial roadshow organized alongside the Central Japan Economic Federation and the Nagoya Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This leg focuses on meetings with leadership from Aichi Prefecture, home to world-renowned automotive and specialty steel producers looking to diversify supply chains into South Asia.

Final discussions will take place in Osaka through an Investors and Business Roadshow. The sessions connect Indian delegates with major Japanese electronics and consumer goods brands. Economic partnerships between New Delhi and Tokyo have steadily grown over the past two decades through regular strategic dialogues. Official records show bilateral trade reached USD 27.47 billion during the 2025-26 fiscal year, with Japanese exports to India accounting for USD 21.43 billion and Indian shipments to Japan standing at USD 6.04 billion.