Proposed Capital Infusion to Fuel JVs, Tech Transfers & New Facilities, Positioning India as Key Player in Asia’s Alternative Supply Chain Network
In a bold strategic shift aimed at breaking China’s dominance in global EV supply chains, Japan is preparing to invest $100–400 million (₹860–3,500 crore) into India’s electric vehicle, battery manufacturing, and recycling sectors, according to senior officials and industry sources.
⚙️ Japan Seeks Indian Partners Across EV and Critical Mineral Value Chains
During a series of closed-door meetings over the past 48 hours at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi, Japanese government officials, battery-makers, auto giants, and private equity firms met with top Indian conglomerates to explore collaborations across:
- EV and cell manufacturing
- Battery recycling
- Mineral processing
- Technology transfer & joint ventures
Japanese investors and companies are scouting for long-term strategic partnerships that will position India as a reliable, democratic alternative to China in the supply of lithium-ion batteries, rare earth magnets, and critical minerals.
“Current geopolitics create significant opportunities for India and Japan to collaborate on critical minerals and rare earth magnets,”
— Nitin Gupta, CEO & Co-Founder, Attero
🔄 Catalytic Converter Recycling, Hydrogen Fuel Cells Also on Radar
One notable proposal involved catalytic converter recycling, giving access to precious metals like platinum and palladium — crucial for hydrogen fuel cell applications in future EV technologies. Indian firms have confirmed tech readiness for such collaborations.
👥 70 Companies Participate in High-Level Meetings
The bilateral meetings saw participation from nearly 70 companies across India and Japan, including major names such as:
- From India:
Maruti Suzuki, Tata Group, Vedanta, Attero, Lohum, Tata Capital - From Japan:
Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Daikin Chemical Southeast Asia, Hanwa, and members of the Battery Association for Supply Chain (BASC)
Also present were key Indian ministries and institutions like the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI).
“There was a conference organised by Japan’s Ministry of Finance, METI, and JETRO on the battery and critical minerals ecosystem. Maruti Suzuki also participated,”
— Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki
🌐 The Quad Raises Alarm on Supply Chain Risks
This flurry of engagement follows a recent Quad joint statement expressing “deep concern” over the reliability of critical mineral supply chains. Japan’s move signals a broader international pivot to reduce reliance on China for clean tech materials.
“Strategic investments are being considered not just for capacity building but to reshape the regional supply chain matrix,”
— A senior Japanese trade official (anonymous)
🔋 A Defining Moment for India’s Clean Energy Future
With Japan ready to infuse capital and technology, and Indian companies eager to scale, the collaboration could mark a turning point for India’s EV and battery ecosystem. The planned Japanese delegation visit to Lohum’s facility in Uttar Pradesh further underscores rising confidence in India’s manufacturing and recycling capabilities.
