On November 18, 2024, Mr. IMAHORI Shinichiro, Representative of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Representative Office in New Delhi, participated as a panelist in the Seventh India-Japan Indo-Pacific Forum held in New Delhi.
The event was co-anchored by Indian think tank Delhi Policy Group and the Japan Institute of International Affairs. Since 2018, the forum has served as a “Track 1.5” dialogue platform for the public and private sectors to strengthen bilateral partnerships. It brings together government officials and experts from Japan and India to exchange views on security and sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific region. The forum featured keynote speeches delivered via video by Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India. It also included speeches by dignitaries from both nations, such as Mr. ONO Keiichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to India and Mr. Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Advisor (Strategic Affairs). In addition, panel discussions were held on several themes, such as the roles of Japan and India in the Indo-Pacific region and the possibilities of their bilateral partnership.
Mr. IMAHORI served as a panelist in a session on the theme of "India–Japan Bilateral Strategic and Global Partnership.” From the perspective of economic security, he cited semiconductors as an area where India needs to foster industry within the country. He stated that Japan's highly skilled semiconductor materials and manufacturing equipment companies can contribute to building India's semiconductor ecosystem. He also discussed promoting Japan–India cooperation through various measures. These include the development of Dholera Industrial Area by the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation, funded by JBIC and the Indian government, as a hub for India's semiconductor industry, and the utilization of the Semiconductor Committee of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India, which is supported by JBIC in its management.
Mr. IMAHORI also emphasized the Indian government's proactive efforts to expand the green hydrogen business and create export opportunities. According to him, these initiatives will help India achieve energy independence while addressing climate change. Furthermore, in terms of diversifying supply sources, these efforts are expected to contribute to Japan's energy security. Collaboration with Japanese companies, which have extensive knowledge and experience in the resource business, and financing through JBIC’s loans and equity investments will also play a crucial role in realizing a green hydrogen and ammonia supply chain between Japan and India. The event offered a valuable opportunity for exchanging views, which will lead to strengthened bilateral ties.
As Japan's policy-based financial institution, JBIC will continue to work closely with foreign governments and provide support for Japanese companies to create business opportunities and promote business, thereby contributing toward the further development of economic relations with the countries concerned.
