Japan and Andhra Pradesh Forge Stronger Industrial Partnerships

Japan’s Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, and N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, have engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening industrial ties between Japan and the Indian state. Their meeting, which followed the CII Partnership Summit 2025 held in Vizag, focused on collaboration in key sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), pharmaceuticals, and shipbuilding.

During their meeting, held on March 15, 2025, Ambassador Ono congratulated Naidu on the successful hosting of the summit. He expressed optimism about the future of Japan-Andhra Pradesh relations, stating on social media platform X, “Congratulate on the successful hosting of the CII Partnership Summit 2025. Had a great follow-up meeting with Hon’ble CM Mr N Chandrababu Naidu to deepen Japan-AP industrial ties.”

Naidu emphasized the potential for growth in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the state’s role in developing a robust supply chain for EVs and battery manufacturing. He remarked, “Delighted to meet H.E. Ono Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India, to explore Andhra Pradesh’s growing potential across key sectors, from building a strong supply-chain ecosystem for EVs and battery manufacturing to new opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, shipbuilding, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).”

The discussions also included enhancing collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, drawing inspiration from Koyama, known as Japan’s pharma capital. Naidu noted the strong interest from 20 Japanese companies that participated in the summit, which indicates a commitment to explore business opportunities in the state.

Andhra Pradesh as India’s Strategic Growth Engine

The CII Partnership Summit 2025 positioned Andhra Pradesh as a critical player in India’s economic future. Business leaders underlined the state’s strategic importance, citing its extensive coastline, infrastructure, and governance as key advantages for trade and technology. Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director of Bajaj Finserv, stated, “Andhra Pradesh is not just a state; it is a strategic growth engine for India.” He underscored the importance of a modern and inclusive financial system to support this growth, expressing his company’s commitment to empower local citizens.

Bajaj highlighted the company’s ambition to reach over 3 million individuals and small businesses in Andhra Pradesh, with plans to disburse more than ₹15,000 crore in the current year alone. This financial support aims to bolster economic development and enhance the overall growth trajectory of the state.

As Japan and Andhra Pradesh continue to deepen their industrial collaboration, the potential for mutual benefits appears significant. The discussions at the summit and the commitments made by key stakeholders reflect a shared vision for growth and innovation, paving the way for a prosperous partnership between the two regions.