Lucknow/Japan: More than 200 Japanese CEOs, business leaders, industry representatives and policymakers, led by Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, have arrived in India for the UP-Japan Investment Meet 2026 as Uttar Pradesh seeks to convert growing Japanese interest into investments, technology partnerships, manufacturing projects and employment opportunities.
The five-day programme, organised by Invest UP from August 18 to 23, 2026, will cover New Delhi, Lucknow, Agra, Greater Noida and Varanasi.
The main UP-Japan Investment Meet will be held in Lucknow on August 21, featuring government-to-business (G2B) and business-to-business (B2B) discussions.
Piyush Goyal, Yogi Adityanath Welcome Japanese Delegation
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki and the Japanese delegation at a dinner hosted by the Uttar Pradesh government in New Delhi.
Goyal highlighted the deepening India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership and invited Japanese businesses to expand their investments and strategic partnerships in India.
He said Uttar Pradesh’s:
- Improving infrastructure
- Skilled workforce
- Enhanced connectivity
- Large consumer market
- Investment-friendly policies
- Growing industrial ecosystem
offer Japanese companies opportunities to expand their operations and establish manufacturing and technology-led businesses.
Yogi Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh was committed to building a long-term partnership with Japanese investors, highlighting the state’s infrastructure, talent pool and investment policies.
Uttar Pradesh Targets USD 1 Trillion Economy
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated Uttar Pradesh’s ambition to become a USD 1 trillion economy.
The state sees Japan as an important partner in its manufacturing and technology-led development strategy. Japanese expertise in advanced manufacturing, technology and quality-driven production could complement Uttar Pradesh’s large workforce and growing industrial base.
Goyal also highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s position as India’s third-largest state economy, with more than 9 million MSMEs and a strong export ecosystem.
Manufacturing, Semiconductors and Green Energy Key Focus Areas
The investment meet is expected to focus on sectors that are central to Uttar Pradesh’s industrial growth and India’s broader manufacturing ambitions.
Key sectors identified for cooperation include:
- Manufacturing
- Automobiles
- Semiconductors
- Green and clean energy
- Digital infrastructure
- Skill development
- Tourism
- Advanced technology
- Next-generation mobility
- Critical minerals
- Advanced batteries
The August 21 Lucknow meet is expected to provide a platform for Japanese companies and government representatives to discuss specific investment and technology opportunities.
Yamanashi Sees Opportunities in Clean Energy and Technology
Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki said the visit would help strengthen economic and institutional ties between Yamanashi Prefecture and Uttar Pradesh.
He identified several potential areas for cooperation, including:
- Clean energy
- Technology
- Skill development
- Tourism
The participation of a Japanese regional delegation reflects the expanding India-Japan relationship beyond national governments, with Indian states and Japanese regions increasingly exploring direct economic and business partnerships.
Japan Targets 10 Trillion Yen Investment in India
Goyal referred to the strategic ambition discussed during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, including Japan’s target of investing 10 trillion yen in India over the next decade.
He said future investments in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced batteries, energy and next-generation mobility could play an important role in shaping the economies of both countries.
These sectors are also important for India’s efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing, improve supply-chain resilience and establish itself as a global hub for advanced technologies.
More Than 1,400 Japanese Companies Already Operating in India
Goyal highlighted the growing presence of Japanese businesses in India, with more than 1,400 Japanese companies currently operating in the country.
Major Japanese companies with a presence in India include:
- Suzuki, Toyota and Honda in the mobility sector
- Sony in electronics
- Hitachi and Mitsubishi in engineering and industrial technology
Japan-supported infrastructure projects in India include the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project and metro systems in cities such as Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Chennai.
India also has 11 Japanese industrial townships across eight states.
Bilateral trade between India and Japan stood at approximately USD 27.5 billion in FY 2025-26, while Japan has become India’s fifth-largest source of foreign direct investment.
India’s Reform Journey Reflects Japan’s Kaizen Philosophy
Goyal drew a comparison between India’s reform journey and the Japanese philosophy of “Kaizen”, which emphasises continuous improvement.
He highlighted reforms in areas including:
- Ease of doing business
- Infrastructure development
- Digital public infrastructure
- Multimodal logistics
- Japanese language training
These initiatives are aimed at reducing operational barriers and creating a more supportive environment for Japanese companies and professionals seeking to establish and expand their operations in India.
UP’s MSME Ecosystem Offers Opportunities for Japanese Companies
Uttar Pradesh’s extensive MSME ecosystem is another major factor supporting its investment proposition.
With more than nine million MSMEs, the state can provide Japanese companies with access to:
- Local suppliers
- Manufacturing partners
- Technical service providers
- Specialised industrial capabilities
Companies such as Escorts Kubota and Seiko Advance are already contributing to Uttar Pradesh’s manufacturing ecosystem.
The state is also India’s fifth-largest exporter, strengthening its potential as a manufacturing and export base for Japanese companies.
Jewar Airport, Freight Corridor Strengthen UP’s Investment Case
Goyal highlighted major infrastructure projects that are improving Uttar Pradesh’s connectivity and investment potential.
These include:
- Noida International Airport at Jewar
- Yamuna Expressway
- Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- 27 industrial clusters
The state is also developing industrial ecosystems in areas such as defence manufacturing, semiconductors and electronics.
These infrastructure and industrial assets are expected to help Japanese companies access India’s domestic market as well as export opportunities across the Indo-Pacific and other global markets.
Piyush Goyal to Visit Japan From August 24 to 27
Piyush Goyal is scheduled to visit Japan from August 24 to 27, 2026, to continue discussions with senior government officials and industry representatives.
The visit is expected to focus on strengthening:
- Bilateral trade
- Investment
- Technology cooperation
- Manufacturing partnerships
- India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership
India-Japan Partnership Enters a New Phase
Goyal said the two countries’ complementary strengths provide a strong foundation for long-term economic cooperation.
India brings a rapidly expanding market, young workforce and growing digital capabilities, while Japan offers technological expertise, manufacturing excellence and a quality-focused business culture.
He also highlighted seven broad areas of national transformation that can create opportunities for India-Japan collaboration, including manufacturing, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, energy and defence, the green and blue economy, and India’s civilisational soft power.
Civilisational Ties Strengthen Economic Partnership
Goyal also emphasised the deep historical and civilisational relationship between India and Japan, including their shared connection through the teachings of Buddha.
He said these cultural links provide a deeper foundation for contemporary economic and strategic cooperation.
The Minister urged Japanese businesses to leverage India’s expanding market, skilled workforce, infrastructure and reform-driven business environment to build long-term partnerships focused on investment, innovation, employment and sustainable development.
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