A multi-pronged engagement in Tokyo
India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal began his four-day visit to Japan (August 24-27) with a series of high-level meetings and public addresses aimed at deepening economic ties between the two nations. The visit, covered by multiple Indian outlets, showcased a multi-pronged strategy combining government-to-government talks, corporate roundtables, and a personal appeal to the Indian community in Tokyo.
Trade talks and the CEPA review
In one of his first engagements, Goyal held a bilateral meeting with Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Akazawa Ryosei. According to CNBC TV18, the two ministers discussed bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, and specifically agreed on the need to accelerate the review of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with an eye to making it more forward-looking and responsive to emerging economic opportunities.
The Tribune reported that during this meeting, Goyal also discussed ways to further expand bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation, with a particular focus on reinforcing the target of attracting 10 trillion yen in Japanese investment into India over the decade. That investment target was originally set during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in August 2025, and its progress was acknowledged at the subsequent 16th summit in New Delhi.
A delegation of more than 200
Goyal is leading what The Tribune called India's largest-ever business delegation to Japan, with more than 200 industry representatives. The delegation's size was seen as a reflection of substantial interest on both sides in expanding business-to-business engagement and investment opportunities.
During his visit, Goyal also met with a host of Japanese business leaders and industry bodies. He engaged with Keidanren and held meetings with companies including Sumitomo Corporation, Meiji Seika Pharma, Mitsubishi Corporation, Tokyo Electron, and MinebeaMitsumi, according to The Tribune. Additionally, he met Eiji Hosoi, CEO of Toyo Engineering Corporation, to discuss collaboration in engineering and industrial infrastructure, and Keita Ishii, President and COO of ITOCHU Corporation, to discuss cooperation across trade, machinery, and emerging business sectors.
Beyond these, Goyal held separate meetings with executives from a range of firms including Neuberger Berman, Mitsui & Co., Toray Industries, IHI Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, JFE Steel, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Nippon Steel, Toshiba, and Marubeni, as reported by CNBC TV18. A particular note was made of Marubeni's association with India, which dates back to 1918.
A roundtable on semiconductors and AI
Goyal also addressed a roundtable on semiconductors and artificial intelligence, which was attended by representatives from around 21 leading Japanese companies. The guest list included major tech and industrial firms such as Tokyo Electron, Daifuku, Preferred Networks, ABEJA, MinebeaMitsumi, Fujifilm Holdings, Kyocera, and NEC Corporation, among others. The CNBC report that this roundtable was seen as part of the wider effort to position India as a key partner in high-tech sectors.
Diaspora praise and the 'Brand Ambassadors' moment
In the midst of the business-heavy schedule, Goyal took time to address the Indian community in Tokyo, delivering a message that was both emotional and strategic. Lokmat Times reported that Goyal praised the contribution of the Indian diaspora in Japan for strengthening India-Japan ties, calling the nearly 60,000-strong community 'Brand Ambassadors of India.'
Goyal said that the energy, enthusiasm, and confidence he witnessed during his visit reflected the growing strength of India-Japan relations and expressed gratitude to the Indian community for building goodwill through their work and engagement with Japanese society.
He also highlighted India's significant demographic advantage, noting that the country's average age of about 29 years represents a major strength. Goyal also touched on India's expanding network of trade agreements and growing attractiveness as an investment destination.
Addressing the diaspora, he emphasized the government's commitment to the welfare and safety of Indians abroad, including during crises, and reminded them of the home's growing action-in relation to their well-being. Closing on an emotional note, he delivered a message that The Tribune highlighted: 'Never forget India, and neither will we ever forget you.'
Demand for skilled workers
A recurring theme in Goyal's remarks was the demand for skilled professionals in Japan. He cited roles such as caregivers, nurses, welders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, drivers, engineers, AI professionals, chartered accountants, and seafarers—fields where skilled Indians could find opportunities.
The delegation's presence aim to strengthen trade between the two nations, which, as The Tribune noted, has already shown positive trends. Bilateral merchandise trade between India and Japan rose to about USD 27.48 billion in 2025-26 from USD 25.17 billion in the previous year, with exports of USD 6.04 billion and imports of USD 21.44 billion, according to the same report.
Japan stands as India's fifth-largest source of foreign direct investment, with cumulative inflows of about USD 48.14 billion between April 2000 and March 2026. Around 1,500 Japanese companies are registered in India, reflecting the deep industrial roots.
A visit with both commercial and cultural dimensions
As Goyal's visit continues across Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, it is being seen as an effort to tighten the partnership on multiple fronts: from trade policy liberalization to investment climate expansion to symbolic and substantive support for the human bridge between the two countries. For now, the Indian delegation and the Japanese business community are both working toward a common decade-long target of 10 trillion yen in new investment—a headline that connects efforts in Tokyo to priorities in New Delhi.