Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Japan Seeks Bigger Investment, Trade Ties With West Bengal
Japan wants to build stronger business ties with West Bengal.
A Japanese delegation met West Bengal minister Tapas Roy in Kolkata.
They talked about investment, trade and renewable energy.
They also discussed making it easier for Japanese companies to do business in the state.
West Bengal hopes Japanese companies will invest in manufacturing and infrastructure.
The officials considered direct flights between West Bengal and Japan.
They also discussed cultural events and food showcases for 2027.
Japan has identified eastern India as important to its broader Indo-Pacific plans.
Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Ayano led a delegation to Kolkata for talks with West Bengal minister Tapas Roy.
Discussions covered Japanese investment, trade, renewable energy and improved connectivity between West Bengal and Japan.
West Bengal said it wants to remove obstacles for Japanese companies and attract investment in manufacturing and infrastructure.
Officials discussed electricity tariffs and the possibility of direct air connectivity between West Bengal and Japan.
The talks included plans for 2027 events marking 25 years of India-Japan diplomatic and cultural ties.
- Who
- Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Ayano and West Bengal Industry, Commerce and Enterprises Minister Tapas Roy, along with their delegations.
- What
- They discussed expanding Japanese investment, trade, renewable energy cooperation and connectivity with West Bengal.
- When
- Friday; the talks also considered events planned for 2027.
- Where
- Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
- Why
- West Bengal wants to attract more Japanese investment and improve economic and transport links, while Japan is pursuing stronger engagement with eastern India.
- Japanese delegation
- Led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Ayano and including Japan’s Consul-General in Kolkata Yoshihisa Ishikawa.
- Main investment areas
- Manufacturing and infrastructure.
- Other economic topics
- Trade, renewable and non-conventional energy, and electricity tariffs.
- Connectivity proposal
- The possibility of direct air connectivity between West Bengal and Japan.
- 2027 milestone
- Plans are being considered to mark 25 years of India-Japan diplomatic and cultural ties.
- Regional strategy
- Japan has identified Bengal, Assam and the Northeast as important to its Indo-Pacific strategy.