India and Japan to collaborate on investments in energy and steel sectors

The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan, met H.E. Hiroshi Kajiyama, Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Investments, in New Delhi, seeking to enhancecomposite engagement in both energy and steel sectors and further elevate the multidimensional bilateral ties between India and Japan.

Pradhan, while speaking to the Japanese Minister, said, “Japan and India are natural allies. Our bilateral relations have made great strides in the recent years. It has become truly multidimensional. As Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas as well as Minister of Steel, I would like to propose composite engagement in both these sectors.”

Speaking about India’s emergence as a global investment destination, Pradhan added, “India is the hotspot for global growth. India jumped 67 ranks in just 3 years to take the 63rd position in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Ranking 2019. India is one of the most attractive investment and business destinations of the world.” Inviting enhanced investments from Japan, he further stated, “We appreciate the Japanese work culture and spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. I invite more Japanese companies, their technology and investments in India.”

Speaking about the growing steel demand in the country, he said, “Our steel demand is expected to grow exponentially as we embark on becoming a $5-trillion economy by 2024. An investment of $1.4 trillion will take place in infrastructure development in the next 5 years.” Pradhan also mentioned about Japan importing iron ore under a long-term agreement and India importing high-grade steel from Japan. He expressed happiness at major Japanese steel companies investing in India through joint ventures (JVs) with Indian companies and invited more Japanese investments in the Indian steel sector. He also shed light on the Steel Cluster Policy that will encourage setting up small high-grade steel manufacturing plants.

H.E. Kajiyama expressed his keenness to upgrade the bilateral engagement in the steel sector, and in this regard appreciated the ongoing efforts to set up a structured and regular dialogue between the Ministry of Steel of India and METI of Japan.

Pradhan, while speaking about the energy ties between Indian and Japan, said, “I firmly believe that both India and Japan have lot of complementarities in the hydrocarbons sector as well. India will see a massive investment of $160 billion by 2024 in oil and gas exploration, refineries and in setting up of natural gas infrastructure. I see a huge potential for us to enhance engagements in the energy sector, especially in LNG business, Gas Hydrates as well as our ambitious Strategic Petroleum Reserves programme. This will be a win-win proposition for both our countries.”

Pradhan spoke about India’s energy transition and said, “We must have a sustainable energy consumption. India has its own aspiration and strategy to move ahead. Our Prime Minister is a great votary of sustainable energy consumption. We are moving towards a gas-based economy. We must work on scientific advancements to make new sources of energy more affordable.”

H.E. Kajiyama stated his intention to continue providing support for capacity building for India in the LNG sector. He mentioned that Japanese companies would be keen to enhance their participation in India’s oil & gas sector.