India, Japan Expand Energy, Hydrogen and AI Cooperation at 16th Annual Summit

India and Japan have agreed to significantly deepen cooperation across clean energy, economic security, advanced technologies and resilient supply chains following the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit held in New Delhi. The two countries adopted new joint declarations on economic security and artificial intelligence (AI), while also unveiling fresh initiatives in biogas, hydrogen and energy resilience as part of their broader Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Clean Energy Partnership Gains Momentum Energy cooperation emerged as a key pillar of the summit, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to strengthening energy security amid increasing volatility in global energy markets. The two sides agreed to expand collaboration across the energy value chain, including joint investments in maritime energy transport infrastructure and closer cooperation to improve the resilience of energy supply chains. They also endorsed regional initiatives such as Japan's Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia), India's regional energy security efforts and the Quad Initiative on Indo-Pacific Energy Security. India and Japan also adopted a Joint Statement on Energy Resilience and agreed to enhance cooperation on strategic petroleum reserves through the exchange of technical expertise and best practices. Japan reiterated its support for India's bid to join the International Energy Agency (IEA). Biogas, Green Hydrogen and Clean Ammonia in Focus The summit marked the launch of the India-Japan Cooperative Biogas for Growth ( CBG ) Initiative, aimed at supporting India's target of establishing 1,000 biogas and organic fertiliser plants across the country. The two governments also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and India's Ministry of Cooperation and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying to strengthen collaboration in the biogas sector. Recognising the growing role of hydrogen and ammonia in both decarbonisation and energy security, the leaders reaffirmed their support for the clean ammonia project in Odisha. They also agreed to expand cooperation in green hydrogen, solar photovoltaic technologies, nuclear energy and other clean energy technologies. Economic Security Agreement Covers Critical Minerals The two countries adopted the India-Japan Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation to accelerate collaboration in strategic sectors including semiconductors, critical minerals, information and communication technology, clean energy and pharmaceuticals. The declaration also reflects a shared commitment to building diversified and resilient supply chains while addressing concerns over economic coercion, export restrictions, and disruptions in critical industrial sectors. AI, Technology and Investment Cooperation Expanded India and Japan also strengthened cooperation in emerging technologies by launching the inaugural India-Japan AI Strategic Dialogue and adopting a Joint Statement on AI Cooperation. The two sides agreed to enhance national AI capabilities, promote trusted digital infrastructure and encourage responsible deployment of artificial intelligence while building resilient AI supply chains. On the investment front, both governments welcomed growing Japanese investments in India and reviewed progress towards the previously announced target of 10 trillion yen in investments. They also agreed to accelerate the review of the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further strengthen bilateral trade and industrial cooperation.