Archive · 27 Aug 2026
India courts global investors through parallel Canada, Japan outreach
India is trying to persuade more foreign companies and investors to put money into the country.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made this case during a visit to Canada.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal made a similar pitch in Japan.
They highlighted India’s economic growth, young people, growing middle class and digital services.
Goyal also promised help for Japanese companies dealing with Indian rules.
He suggested a startup program to connect businesses in India and Japan with investors.
India has found it difficult to turn its fast economic growth into steady foreign investment.
Goyal is also expected to visit the United States in late September for trade discussions.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promoted India’s growth, young population and expanding consumption in Toronto.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal described India as a trusted investment destination during a Tokyo roundtable.
Goyal said India would ease certification requirements for specialised high-tech equipment, including chip-manufacturing machinery.
He proposed an India-Japan startup pitching series and said Japanese textile companies, including Uniqlo, were considering Indian investments.
India’s outreach comes as foreign investors withdraw funds from Indian markets and competing AI and semiconductor opportunities attract capital.
- Who
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal led India’s investment outreach.
- What
- They sought greater foreign investment and presented India as a long-term, trusted destination for global businesses.
- When
- The reported outreach took place during Sitharaman’s visit to Canada and Goyal’s visit to Japan; Goyal plans to visit the United States in late September.
- Where
- Sitharaman spoke in Toronto, Canada, while Goyal held a roundtable in Tokyo, Japan.
- Why
- India wants to deepen foreign investment ties and attract more long-term capital despite competition from other markets.
- Finance minister’s location
- Nirmala Sitharaman made India’s investment pitch in Toronto.
- Commerce minister’s location
- Piyush Goyal addressed investors at a roundtable in Tokyo.
- Investment pitch
- India highlighted sustained growth, a young population, expanding consumption and deepening capital markets.
- Regulatory support
- Goyal said India was working to ease certification requirements for specialised high-tech equipment, including chip-manufacturing equipment.
- Japan startup proposal
- Goyal proposed an India-Japan startup pitching series connecting startups with investors and potential business partners.
- Investment challenge
- Foreign investors have pulled money from Indian stocks and bonds this year, while AI and semiconductor opportunities elsewhere have attracted capital.
- Upcoming US visit
- Goyal plans to visit the United States in late September for a G20 meeting in Milwaukee and bilateral talks with Jamieson Greer.