Come, Make in India, Make for the World”: PM Modi’s Global Manufacturing Vision to Japanese Investors

Introduction

During his landmark visit to Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in August 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message to Japanese business leaders with the tagline “Come, make in India, make for the world.” This invitation underscores India’s ambitious push to establish itself as a global manufacturing powerhouse and a critical pillar in international supply chains.

PM Modi addressing Japanese investors with Make in India Make for the World message

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Address

Speaking at the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum in Tokyo on 29th August 2025, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s transformation into a manufacturing hub that serves not just domestic needs but global markets.

Japan’s Investment Commitment

• Historic Investment Target: Japan pledged 10 trillion yen ($68 billion) in private investments in India over the next decade
• Current Status: Japanese companies have already invested over $40 billion in India
• Success Rate: 80% of Japanese companies want to expand in India, while 75% are already profitable

India’s Manufacturing Advantages

Political and Economic Stability: PM Modi highlighted India’s unprecedented transformation over the last 11 years, emphasizing political stability, economic stability, and policy transparency.

Fastest Growing Economy: India maintains its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and is projected to become the third-biggest economy globally soon.

Technology Leadership: India has taken bold initiatives in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space technology.

Strategic Partnerships: The India-Japan partnership extends beyond bilateral ties to contribute to Global South development, particularly in Africa.

UPSC Relevance and Syllabus Connections

GS Paper 2: International Relations

• Bilateral Cooperation: India-Japan Strategic Partnership and economic diplomacy
• Foreign Policy: India’s role in Indo-Pacific and Global South development
• Trade Relations: Economic partnerships and investment promotion

GS Paper 3: Indian Economy

• Make in India Initiative: Manufacturing sector development and global integration
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Role of Japanese investment in India’s economic growth
• Industrial Policy: Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and manufacturing competitiveness

GS Paper 3: Science and Technology

• Technology Transfer: Collaboration in semiconductors, AI, and emerging technologies
• Innovation Ecosystem: Startup partnerships and R&D collaboration

Make in India: A Decade of Transformation

Policy Framework

The Make in India initiative, launched in 2014, aimed to transform India into a global manufacturing hub with a target of increasing manufacturing’s GDP contribution to 25%.

Key Achievements:

• Manufacturing sector contributes 17% to GDP and employs over 27.3 million people
• Expected to reach $1.30 trillion by FY30 with an 18% CAGR
• India’s share in global goods exports projected to grow from 1.7% to 3% by 2030

Success Stories

PM Modi specifically cited the success stories of Suzuki and Daikin as examples for other Japanese companies to emulate, highlighting how these companies have leveraged India’s manufacturing capabilities for global markets.

Economic Security Initiative

The summit also launched the India-Japan Economic Security Initiative focusing on:

• Supply Chain Resilience: Securing critical goods and sectors
• Strategic Sectors: Semiconductors, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, clean energy
• Technology Cooperation: Joint collaboration in emerging technologies

Strategic Implications

Global Supply Chain Diversification

As companies seek alternatives to China-centric supply chains, India’s invitation to “make for the world” positions it as a reliable manufacturing partner in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Indo-Pacific Strategy

The manufacturing partnership aligns with broader India-Japan cooperation in ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Talent and Technology Synergy

PM Modi emphasized that “Japanese technology and Indian talent are a winning combination,” highlighting the complementary nature of both nations’ strengths.

Previous Year Questions and Exam Relevance

Potential UPSC Questions:

1. Mains 2024: “Analyze the role of Make in India initiative in transforming India into a global manufacturing hub. Discuss the challenges and opportunities.”
2. Prelims Focus: Questions on FDI policies, manufacturing statistics, bilateral trade agreements
3. Essay Topics: “Manufacturing as the engine of economic growth” or “India’s role in global supply chains”

Challenges and Way Forward

Infrastructure Development

• Gati Shakti National Master Plan: Integrated connectivity for industrial growth
• Industrial Corridors: Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and other projects
• Port Modernization: Enhancing export capabilities

Regulatory Reforms

• Continued ease of doing business improvements
• Streamlined regulatory processes for foreign investors
• Enhanced protection of intellectual property rights

Skill Development

• Human Resource Exchange: Plan for 500,000 people exchange between India and Japan over five years
• Japan-ready Workforce: Training Indian talent in Japanese language and soft skills

Conclusion

PM Modi’s call to “Come, make in India, make for the world” represents more than an investment invitation—it’s a strategic vision for India’s emergence as a global manufacturing leader. The Japan partnership, with its $68 billion commitment, validates India’s manufacturing potential and sets a template for similar collaborations with other nations.

For UPSC aspirants, this development illustrates the intersection of economic policy, international relations, and technological cooperation, making it a crucial topic for comprehensive preparation across multiple General Studies papers.