India, Japan launch AI dialogue, JWG on critical minerals
New Delhi, January 17
India and Japan unveiled new initiatives to push bilateral cooperation in the sector of Artificial Intelligence and critical minerals during the 18th Strategic Dialogue between the two countries.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi launched a new AI dialogue and also decided to convene a Joint Working Group on critical minerals to take forward cooperation on rare earth elements, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Addressing a press conference, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Today, the ministers launched the AI dialogue to give a push to bilateral cooperation in this sector. On economic security, this is an important area of engagement between the two countries, not just for our economies but for the world's economies at large. Both sides also decided to convene a joint working group on critical minerals under the economic security initiative to advance our collaboration in rare earths and other critical minerals"
In addition, both sides also agreed to hold a private-sector dialogue to enhance public-private cooperation under the economic security initiative.
The second round of the Economic Security Dialogue, led by India's Foreign Secretary and the Japanese vice minister, will be held in the first half of 2026.
The discussion between both foreign ministers covered a plethora of topics, from investment, trade, to defence and people-to-people exchanges.
"Both leaders discussed supply chain resilience in critical sectors, investment, trade, technology, innovation, defence, people-to-people exchanges, and our cultural ties. Both leaders underlined the importance of further strengthening the India-Japan special strategic and global partnership, in keeping with the outcomes of the 15th annual summit held in Japan last year," Randhir Jaiswal said.
Toshimitsu Motegi is in India from January 15 to January 17, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The meeting follows PM Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's meeting in Johannesburg earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in South Africa.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Excellent news. The focus on AI and critical minerals shows forward-thinking policy. I just hope the benefits trickle down to our startups and MSMEs, not just the big corporates. The private-sector dialogue mentioned is a good step. Let's ensure Indian innovators get a fair seat at the table.
Good move, but implementation is key. We have had many dialogues and JWGs before. The timeline says the next Economic Security Dialogue is in 2026? That's two years away. Hope the working groups actually produce tangible outcomes like joint ventures and technology transfer agreements sooner.
As someone working in tech, the AI dialogue is particularly exciting. Japan's robotics and India's IT services can learn so much from each other. Hope this leads to more student exchanges and joint research programs in our IITs and universities.
Critical minerals are the new oil. With China dominating the processing, this India-Japan JWG is vital for strategic autonomy. We must develop our own refining capabilities for rare earths found in India. This partnership can provide the necessary tech and investment. Jai Hind!
The mention of "people-to-people exchanges" is heartening. Beyond government and business, the cultural connection between our countries is strong. More collaboration in anime, cuisine, and tourism would be wonderful outcomes of this strengthened partnership.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.