India and Japan discuss high-tech partnership model

India and Japan are exploring a mechanism for technology partnership that would enable the latter’s cutting-edge firms to tap the Indian market and develop independent supply chain models.

This was the key item on the agenda when foreign secretary Vikram Misri conducted the first round of dialogue on economic security, including strategic trade and technology, in Tokyo this week, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The two sides discussed issues related to economic security, supply chain resilience and partnership in critical and emerging technologies, said an external affairs ministry statement.


Japan is a technology powerhouse, while India’s vast market offers the scale where innovative as well as mature technologies can be easily tested and propagated, said the people.

After the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) with the US and UK, India is working with South Korea on a high-tech partnership model and Japan will be the next in the series.

India and Japan are natural partners when it comes to fostering resilient supply chains as they face similar threats and coercive tactics, said experts on India-Japan ties.

Both countries need to reduce overreliance and overdependence on narrowly defined sources of goods, resources and technologies and can do so in coordination with each other, said one of the experts, who did not wish to be identified.

Through the Economic Security Dialogue, the two sides can tackle strategic challenges by forging technology partnerships, building supply chain resilience and sharing best practices on protection of technology, said another expert.

During his visit Misri also held a vice-ministerial dialogue with Masataka Okano, vice minister for foreign affairs. They reviewed the entire spectrum of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, including political relations, defence and security, economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, besides discussing regional and international issues of common interest, according to an external affairs ministry statement.

The foreign secretary also met with other senior functionaries, including Takehiko Matsuo, vice minister for international affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, to discuss economic and high-tech cooperation; Keiichi Ichikawa, deputy secretary general of National Security Secretariat and assistant chief cabinet secretary to discuss the security and economic partnership; and Yoshimichi Terada, vice minister for international affairs, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, to review cooperation for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project.

Besides, the foreign secretary interacted with Japanese policymakers and senior officials from key government ministries and agencies, including the environment ministry, Japan External Trade Organisation, Japan International Cooperation Agency and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.