In July 2025, the relationship between India and Japan took a new leap when a high-level Japanese business delegation, led by Japan’s Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono, visited the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) in Gujarat. This two-day event highlighted a growing partnership focused on smart cities, technology, and advanced manufacturing. The visit started with a conference in Ahmedabad, followed by a tour of Dholera’s world-class infrastructure, and showcased the deep commitment both countries share towards innovation and inclusive development.

Focus on Smart Infrastructure and Semiconductor Manufacturing- Dholera

During the site tour, the Japanese delegates explored Dholera’s planned infrastructure, such as the Water Treatment Plant, Canal Front Development, Power Substation, and the ABCD Building, which houses the city’s Integrated Command & Control Centre. A highlight of the trip was the visit to the under-construction Tata Electronics semiconductor fabrication plant, an ambitious project built in partnership with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation from Taiwan. This semiconductor facility is a flagship project under India’s “Semicon India Programme” and is part of over ₹1.54 lakh crore (approx. $18.5 billion) investments underway in Gujarat’s chip sector.

The Japanese team was also shown Dholera’s plans for social infrastructure, including hospitals, educational institutions, and hospitality hubs, to ensure the city is liveable and attractive for global investors. These plans demonstrate Dholera’s aim to be not just an industrial base but a complete smart city.

Strong Collaboration for a Future-Ready Economy

This visit marked a significant milestone in deepening industrial cooperation between India and Japan. The Dholera project is part of the larger Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), which itself draws inspiration from Japan’s Tokyo–Osaka corridor. Japanese investment and support have been key in shaping Dholera as a model for advanced manufacturing and a technology hub.

During the conference, experts from both sides—including leaders from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and JETRO Ahmedabad—spoke about the mutual benefits of the collaborations in Dholera. The Japanese ambassador praised India’s vision for semiconductors and smart cities and reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing support for India’s economic and technological goals as the country moves toward “Vision 2047,” aiming for development and self-reliance.