Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Goyal Leads Largest-Ever India-Japan Delegation for Trade Push
Piyush Goyal is taking more than 200 Indian business leaders to Japan.
They will visit Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka from August 24 to 27, 2026.
The group will meet Japanese government officials, companies and investors.
They will discuss areas such as computers, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cars, steel and clean energy.
They will also visit factories and innovation centers to learn about Japanese technology.
India wants more Japanese companies to invest and work in India.
FICCI expects some new business agreements, called MoUs, to be signed.
India and Japan trade a lot, but India buys more from Japan than it sells.
India is considering reviewing its trade agreement with Japan because this gap has grown.
Piyush Goyal is leading more than 200 Indian business representatives to Japan from August 24 to 27, 2026.
The delegation will visit Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka to promote trade, investment and technology partnerships.
The programme includes at least 200 business-to-business meetings, roadshows, networking events and about 15 site visits.
Semiconductors, electronics, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, automobiles and start-ups are major focus areas, with FICCI expecting further MoU signings.
Bilateral trade reached USD 27.47 billion in 2025–26, while India’s trade deficit with Japan rose to USD 15.4 billion, prompting consideration of a CEPA review.
- Who
- Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, more than 200 Indian business representatives, Japanese officials, companies, investors and business organizations.
- What
- A four-day business delegation visit focused on expanding India-Japan trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
- When
- August 24–27, 2026; the reports were published on August 23, 2026.
- Where
- Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, Japan.
- Why
- To attract Japanese investment, expand technology partnerships, increase two-way trade and discuss business priorities.
India’s Trade Priorities
Japanese Business Concerns
Trade balance and CEPA review
India’s Trade Priorities
India has called for a more balanced bilateral trade relationship and is considering a review of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement because its deficit with Japan is increasing.
Japanese Business Concerns
The articles do not give a direct Japanese government position on the review, but Japanese companies are expected to discuss their priorities, requirements and ways to facilitate greater two-way investment.
Steel imports and quality rules
India’s Trade Priorities
Indian steel producers have repeatedly complained about increased imports of Japanese steel products, including hot-rolled steel and other variants.
Japanese Business Concerns
Japanese firms have previously raised concerns about India’s quality control orders and their effects on business operations.
Investment and market access
India’s Trade Priorities
India will promote manufacturing, technology, electronics, automobiles, clean energy and start-ups to attract more Japanese investment and production.
Japanese Business Concerns
Japanese companies, investors and business organizations will discuss opportunities in India, their business needs and ways to expand two-way investment.
- Delegation
- More than 200 representatives; the visit is described as India’s largest-ever business delegation to Japan.
- Cities
- Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.
- Planned engagements
- At least 200 business-to-business meetings, networking programmes, roadshows and approximately 15 site visits.
- Focus sectors
- Manufacturing, semiconductors, electronics, artificial intelligence, clean energy, steel, automobiles, financial services, healthcare and start-ups.
- Japanese investment target
- Japan has set a target of more than 10 trillion yen, reported as approximately Rs 60,000 crore, in Indian investment over the next decade.
- Japanese FDI
- Japan contributed USD 48.14 billion in FDI to India between April 2000 and March 2026, representing 6% of total inflows.
- Bilateral trade
- Trade rose 9.18% to USD 27.47 billion in 2025–26, consisting of USD 6.03 billion in Indian exports and USD 21.43 billion in imports.
- Trade agreement
- India’s trade deficit increased to USD 15.4 billion in 2025–26 from USD 12.66 billion in 2024–25; the countries are considering reviewing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Sources
India-Japan ties: Piyush Goyal leads largest-ever delegation; FICCI expects semiconductor, electronics MoUs
Piyush Goyal leads 200-member Indian business delegation to Japan
Piyush Goyal to lead largest business delegation to Japan from India
Trade push: Goyal leads 200-member biz delegation to Japan
Piyush Goyal heads 200-member business delegation to Japan, eyes fresh trade, investment push