India, Japan sign pacts on AI, metals, and energy after Modi-Takaichi talks


Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi attend a joint press statement at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, July 2, 2026. REUTERS/Altaf Hussain

NEW DELHI, July 2 (Reuters) - ⁠India and Japan signed pacts on Thursday to ⁠boost their cooperation in artificial intelligence, metals, energy, and ‌prepared a joint roadmap for economic security, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after talks with his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi.

Takaichi is on ​a three-day visit to New Delhi ⁠as the two Asian partners ⁠hold their 16th annual summit.

"The convergence of Japan's precision technology ⁠and ‌India's software capabilities will give a new momentum and strength to global AI development," Modi told ⁠reporters.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $27.5 billion ​in fiscal ‌year 2025/26, while Japanese investment in India was $3.2 billion ⁠between April ​and December 2025, according to Indian government data.

Modi said that the two countries, also members of the Quad grouping, signed an ⁠agreement on their first co-development project ​in the defence sector.

"Through the India-Japan bio-gas Initiative, we will set up 1,000 bio-gas and organic fertilizer plants in India," ⁠he added.

Japan is among India's largest investors, backing major infrastructure projects including a high-speed rail corridor between the cities of Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Japanese firms have also increased investments ​in Indian companies, including a recent $1.6 billion ⁠deal for a 20% stake in Yes Bank.

Takaichi is accompanied ​by a large business delegation and ‌is due to speak at ​a business conference later on Thursday.

(Reporting by Tanvi Mehta, writing by Hritam Mukherjee; Editing by YP Rajesh)

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