New Delhi, October 9, 2026: Ashoka University’s Iron Pillar Initiative in Global Learning (IGL), in collaboration with venture capital firm Iron Pillar, has released a new report titled “India–Japan Economic Corridor: Technology, Finance, and the Future of the Indo-Pacific,” examining pathways for deeper economic integration between India and Japan. The report was launched at the International House of Japan in Tokyo, with around 60 policymakers, investors, diplomats, academics and entrepreneurs from both countries in attendance.
The report’s release follows the 16th India–Japan Annual Summit in July 2026, where both nations reaffirmed a target of ¥10 trillion in Japanese private-sector investment in India by 2035. Despite this, the report notes that Japan currently sources less than 1% of its imports from India, and India accounts for about 4% of Japan’s outbound investment, highlighting a gap between the strategic and economic dimensions of the relationship.
Key contributors and event highlights
The launch event featured a welcome address by Anand Prasanna, Managing Partner, Iron Pillar, and Archish Mittal, Vice President, Iron Pillar, who outlined the report’s vision of moving beyond strategic ties to deeper economic collaboration. Dr. Henrik Syse, Norwegian philosopher and Vice Chair of the Scandinavia Japan Sasakawa Foundation, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the importance of international cooperation and cross-border engagement.
The report compiles 27 independent perspectives from policymakers, academics, investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders, including Anand Prasanna, Archish Mittal, Ashish Dhawan (Founding Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University), Prof. K. VijayRaghavan (Chair, Science Advisory Council, Ashoka University and Former Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India), Dr. Prachi Mishra (Dean, Ashoka School of Economics and Director, Ashoka Isaac Center for Public Policy), and Dr. Henrik Syse. The foreword is authored by Michael A. Spence, Nobel Laureate in Economics and Dean Emeritus, Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Focus on technology, talent, and supply chains
The report identifies opportunities for India and Japan to deepen engagement across finance, technology, manufacturing, supply chains, innovation and talent. It explores areas such as private capital, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, deep tech, space, and workforce mobility. The analysis highlights the complementary strengths of both countries: Japan’s capital, technology and industrial expertise, and India’s young workforce, growth potential and demand for capital.
However, the report stresses that capital alone is insufficient for integration, calling for stronger intermediaries, greater talent mobility, clear delivery mechanisms and increased institutional predictability. It also points to the need for resilient supply chains and enhanced economic security in response to global economic shifts.
Institutional partnerships and future collaboration
The event also saw the announcement of a partnership between the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) and Ashoka University, aimed at strengthening institutional engagement between India and Japan. The Iron Pillar Initiative in Global Learning, established on September 28, 2026, is designed to foster sustained relationships among scholars, institutions, practitioners and students, promoting research, internships and international exchange.
Archish Mittal, Vice President, Iron Pillar and Co-Chair of the Iron Pillar Initiative in Global Learning, Ashoka University, said the report brings together diverse perspectives on how India and Japan can move from intent to sustained engagement. Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, Chair, Science Advisory Council, Ashoka University, and Co-Chair of the initiative, emphasised the importance of building stronger pathways for researchers, businesses, investors and young talent in both countries.
Addressing the ‘missing middle’ and talent mobility
The report highlights the need to address the “missing middle” between government-led frameworks and large corporate engagements, underscoring the role of fund managers, intermediaries, startups, mid-sized suppliers and institutions in translating bilateral intent into commercial, investment and research partnerships. It also emphasises the importance of two-way talent mobility, including increased movement of students, researchers, skilled professionals and entrepreneurs between India and Japan, and calls for stronger education, research and workforce linkages to support the broader economic relationship.
The India–Japan Economic Corridor report is one of the first outcomes of the Iron Pillar Initiative in Global Learning, with further research collaborations and international partnerships planned.
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