India and Japan have signed loan agreements worth JPY 191.736 billion on March 28, 2025, under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) for six major projects supporting sectors like aquaculture, forest management, water supply, urban transport, biodiversity conservation, and investment promotion. The agreements were signed between the Government of India and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in New Delhi.
Among the projects, the “Assam State Aquaculture Promotion and Livelihood Improvement Project” has received a loan of JPY 3.580 billion (approximately USD 23.8 million) to enhance aquaculture production, benefiting fisheries stakeholders by strengthening the supply chain and institutional capacity within the fisheries department.
The Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Program (Phase 3) will receive JPY 36.114 billion to attract investments, including foreign investments, while promoting emerging sectors and providing advanced manufacturing training to generate quality jobs.
To strengthen forest management, the “Project for Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management” has been allocated JPY 8.280 billion for research, pilot projects, and institutional development.
Chennai's water security will get a boost with the “Construction of Chennai Seawater Desalination Plant (II),” receiving JPY 52.556 billion to ensure a stable water supply, improve living conditions, and support the region’s investment environment.
The “Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project (Phase 4 Additional Corridors)” has secured JPY 79.726 billion to expand Delhi’s metro network, aiming to improve urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and mitigate pollution.
Additionally, Punjab’s environment and biodiversity conservation efforts will receive JPY 11.480 billion under the “Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resources Conservation Project.” The funds will be used to enhance ecosystem services, manage wetlands, and support livelihood improvement while tackling climate change.
India and Japan have had a long and fruitful history of bilateral development cooperation since 1958. Economic cooperation a key pillar of India-Japan relations has steadily progressed in the last few years.
