PM Modi in Japan: Talks to focus on semiconductors, AI and bullet train amid US tariffs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. During his two-day visit, he will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, top business leaders, and political representatives. This trip marks Modi’s eighth visit to Japan, showing the importance India gives to its relationship with the country.

PM Modi said in a social media post after landing in Tokyo:
"As India and Japan continue to strengthen their developmental cooperation, I look forward to engaging with PM Ishiba and others during this visit, thus providing an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration."

This visit comes at a critical time when US President Donald Trump’s tariffs have affected global trade. Against this backdrop, India and Japan are working more closely in areas of technology, infrastructure, and economic security.

Japan likely to announce major investment in India

According to Japan’s Kyodo News, the Japanese government is preparing to announce a 10 trillion yen (USD 68 billion) investment target for India during Modi’s visit. This would be one of the largest-ever Japanese commitments to India and would help boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve industries like manufacturing and technology.

The two Prime Ministers are also expected to discuss semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies. These are critical areas where both India and Japan want to reduce their dependency on China and strengthen supply chains. Modi will also travel to Sendai, where he will visit a semiconductor factory, highlighting the importance of this sector for India’s future.

Apart from technology, the two leaders may agree on a new framework to enhance cooperation on economic security. This includes ensuring stable supply chains, protecting critical technologies, and supporting industries important for national growth.

This year’s summit is also expected to focus on the bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, which Japan has been supporting with financial and technical help. Strengthening cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges will also be part of the discussions.

PM Modi to travel to China for SCO summit

After finishing his Japan visit, PM Modi will head to Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. At the summit, he is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other world leaders.

The Prime Minister said that India has always played an active and constructive role in the SCO. The forum gives member countries a chance to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and shared challenges such as terrorism, trade barriers, and energy needs.

Modi emphasized that India will continue working with SCO members to strengthen cooperation in all areas. He also described the summit as an opportunity to hold important bilateral meetings with leaders from neighboring and partner countries.

This will be Modi’s first visit to China in seven years, making it a significant diplomatic moment. The visit also comes soon after reports that China reached out to India earlier this year, signaling a possible thaw in relations.

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Why this visit is important

PM Modi’s back-to-back visits to Japan and China come at a time of global economic uncertainty caused by rising US tariffs and trade disputes. Both India and Japan want to position themselves as reliable partners who can lead in technology and infrastructure.

The Japanese investment announcement could be a game changer for India, while cooperation on semiconductors and AI may strengthen India’s long-term technological capacity. At the same time, Modi’s meetings with leaders like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at the SCO Summit will give India a stronger role in shaping regional and global policies.

By focusing on partnerships in technology, security, and economic growth, these visits show how India is balancing global challenges while building stronger ties with key countries in Asia.