India, Japan sign AI, metals and energy cooperation deals; trade seen at USD 27.5 billion in FY2025/26

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing Reuters, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that India and Japan signed multiple agreements to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, metals and energy, and to draw up a joint economic security roadmap. Modi said on July 2 that bilateral trade is expected to reach USD 27.5 billion in fiscal year 2025/26, and that Japanese investment into India totaled USD 3.2 billion from April to December 2025, citing Indian government data. Modi also said the two Quad members signed an agreement for their first joint defense co-development project, and that under an India-Japan biogas initiative the two countries will build 1,000 biogas and organic fertilizer plants in India. Takaichi is leading a large business delegation on a three-day visit to New Delhi as the two countries hold their 16th annual summit.