IJBC Strengthening Indo-Japan Trade Relations at the 4th India-Japan Business Conference 2025 in Chennai on 10th July.

Abhishek Choudhury, Vice President, Indo-Japan Business Council

New Delhi. July 3, 2025.

As India and Japan deepen their strategic partnership in an increasingly interconnected Indo-Pacific, the role of dynamic, action-oriented dialogue platforms becomes all the more vital. One such initiative is the 4th India-Japan Business Conference, set to be held on July 10, 2025, at the Madras Management Association, Chennai.

Organized by the Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC), this year’s edition is themed “Accelerating Indo-Japan Partnerships in Technology, Trade, and Sustainability”, and comes at a time when both nations are recalibrating their economic engagement for the future.

In the lead-up to this important event, Japancalling.in had an exclusive interaction with Abhishek Choudhury, Vice President, Indo-Japan Business Council, to discuss the significance of the conference, its key focus areas, and the growing emphasis on empowering SMEs as engines of cross-border innovation and growth.

From green technologies to smart trade frameworks, and from AI to circular economy models, Abhishek Choudhury shares how this year's conference aims not only to spark dialogue but to enable tangible partnerships, policy inputs, and market access for businesses on both sides.

Below are key excerpts from our conversation.

Q The 4th India-Japan Business Conference is set to take place in Chennai this July. What makes this edition of the conference particularly significant?

A. This year’s conference comes at a pivotal moment in the India-Japan partnership. Both countries are undergoing transformative economic and technological shifts, and the need for a deeper, innovation-led, and sustainability-driven collaboration has never been stronger. The 4th edition is especially significant because we are expanding the conversation beyond large corporations to include Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which form the bedrock of both economies. The format is designed to be outcome-oriented, fostering cross-border partnerships that create real business opportunities.

Q. The theme focuses on "Technology, Trade, and Sustainability." How do these three pillars interconnect in the India-Japan context?

A. Technology, trade, and sustainability are not isolated priorities—they are deeply intertwined. For example, green technologies developed in Japan can support India’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Similarly, enhanced trade frameworks can help Indian startups and SMEs adopt advanced manufacturing tools from Japan. And sustainability practices, when embedded in trade and technology ecosystems, lead to long-term growth. This conference aims to highlight and catalyze such synergies.

Q. SMEs are a major focus this year. What specific support or outcomes are you hoping to generate for them?

A. We recognize that SMEs often lack the exposure, resources, or networks to go global. Through targeted sessions, mentorship interactions, and case studies, we aim to provide SMEs with a clear roadmap to enter new markets, adopt digital tools, and scale sustainably. Additionally, we hope to facilitate matchmaking between Indian and Japanese SMEs and large corporates to foster innovation-led growth and co-creation.

Q. Can you elaborate on the structure of the conference? Who are the key participants we can expect to hear from?

A. The conference will feature a diverse mix of participants—industry leaders, SME founders, government officials, academics, and diplomats. The sessions are structured around keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, and sector-specific dialogues. We are particularly excited to welcome experts in AI, green energy, smart manufacturing, and trade policy. The idea is to blend thought leadership with practical business insights.

Q. What kind of policy-level impact are you aiming for through this platform?

A. One of our goals is to emerge with a set of policy recommendations focused on SME empowerment, trade facilitation, and innovation exchange. We will be presenting these insights to relevant ministries and policy institutions in both India and Japan. This is not just a forum for dialogue, but for actionable outcomes that can improve ease of doing business and foster a truly bi-directional growth corridor.

Q. Finally, what message would you like to convey to stakeholders and participants ahead of the conference?

A. This conference is not just about attending sessions—it’s about building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. I urge all stakeholders to come with an open mind, ready to explore, collaborate, and innovate. India and Japan are natural partners, and platforms like this are instrumental in translating shared vision into shared success.

For more details, visit Indo-Japan Business Council’s website or follow updates on japancalling.in