India and Japan to strengthen cooperation in sustainable mobility and energy technology

During the Japan-India Mobility Summit 2026 held in Bengaluru, V.K. Saraswat, member of NITI Aayog, emphasised the importance of renewed collaboration between India and Japan in the domain of mobility and clean energy. Reflecting on the transformative impact of Suzuki’s entry into India in the 1980s, he noted that the time has come for both nations to leverage their complementary strengths. India offers large-scale market opportunities, software and AI capabilities, while Japan brings advanced technology, engineering excellence, and leadership in mobility systems. Saraswat highlighted areas of potential collaboration, including hydrogen grid corridors, mobility-as-a-service integration, and grid-interactive EV systems. He also cited the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train as an example of Japan’s high-speed rail expertise. He suggested expanding the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles across all vehicle segments, stressing that they provide better lifecycle emissions compared to even the best electric vehicles. He underscored that India’s goal is not merely electrification but achieving net-zero carbon emissions and reducing pollution. Saraswat further encouraged co-creation in technology, including smart transport systems, next-generation vehicles, and integrated mobility platforms. Overall, the summit highlighted a roadmap for Indo-Japanese cooperation in shaping future mobility and sustainable energy solutions.