New Delhi: Industrialist and Bharat Forge Chairman Baba Kalyani met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the capital on Thursday. The meeting occurred during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, which focused on expanding economic and technological ties. It took place alongside several business events during Takaichi’s three-day visit, her first to India since assuming office.
Talks centered on increasing cooperation in advanced manufacturing, defence components and precision engineering. These areas align with Bharat Forge’s operations and Japan’s interest in reliable supply chains. The joint statement highlighted five priority sectors for accelerated work: semiconductors, critical minerals, information and communications technology, clean energy and pharmaceuticals.
Both governments encouraged greater Indian industry participation in Japan’s investment plans for India. Leaders noted that connecting India’s economic growth with Japan’s expansion would shape the coming decade of relations. Takaichi stated on social media that the two nations, described as trusted partners, had agreed on a medium- to long-term collaboration roadmap and recorded progress in defence equipment transfers.
Kalyani has long promoted India-Japan business links. His meeting with the prime ministers underscored the increased role of Indian companies in the partnership. Both sides aim to expand joint ventures and technology transfers, with emphasis on defence and advanced manufacturing.
Kalyani previously co-chaired the India-Japan Business Leaders’ Forum with Keidanren Chairman Tsutsui. Held after a seven-year gap, the forum identified cooperation areas including green energy, electric mobility, space technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, digital technology, data centres, healthcare and electronics.
In his remarks, Kalyani described the India-Japan partnership as a resilient contributor to global economic security and sustainable growth. He called for stronger medium-term collaboration by enhancing supply-chain resilience using the complementary strengths of both economies. He also advocated joint development of solutions aligned with Japan’s Society 5.0 vision and proposed bodies to establish mutual recognition standards.
Kalyani and Tsutsui presented the forum report to the two prime ministers with recommendations to strengthen the relationship.
Baba Kalyani serves as Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, the main company of the Kalyani Group. He joined the firm in 1972 and led its transformation in the 1990s from a domestic forging business into a global supplier of precision components for automotive, aerospace, defence, railways and energy sectors. Bharat Forge operates facilities in Europe and supports India’s advanced manufacturing initiatives.
Beyond automotive, the company has expanded into defence and clean energy. Its subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems holds a majority stake in a joint venture with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The group supplies artillery, armoured vehicles and aerospace parts to international manufacturers. Kalyani established Kenersys to produce wind turbines and operates wind farms in Maharashtra. Through a partnership with KPIT Cummins, Bharat Forge develops hybrid vehicle solutions and solar equipment.
Kalyani has advised on industrial policy and trade, serving on the SKF board since 2011 and chairing a government task force on special economic zones formed in 2018.
