Minister Pradhan, Japanese Minister discuss engagement in energy, steel sector

Speaking about extensive co-operation in the steel sector, Minister Pradhan mentioned Japan importing iron ore under a long term agreement and India importing high-grade steel from Japan.

The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan met H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Kajiyama, Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade, and Investments here today. Discussions centered around enhancing composite engagement in both the energy and steel sector to further help elevate the multidimensional bilateral ties between India and Japan.

Shri Pradhan while speaking to the Japanese Minister, said, "Japan and India are natural allies. Our bilateral relations have made great strides in recent years. It has become truly multi-dimensional. As Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas as well as Minister of Steel, I would like to propose composite engagement in both these sectors."

Speaking about India's emergence as a global investment destination, Shri Pradhan said, "India is the hotspot for global growth. India jumped 67 ranks in just 3 years to take 63rd position in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Ranking 2019. India is one of the most attractive investments and business destinations in the world."

Shri Pradhan while inviting enhanced investments from Japan, said, "We appreciate Japanese work culture and spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. I invite more Japanese companies, their technology, and investments in India."

Speaking about growing steel demand in the country, Minister Pradhan said, "Our steel demand is expected to grow exponentially as we embark on becoming a USD 5 Trillion Economy by 2024. An investment of USD 1.4 trillion will take place in infrastructure development in the next five years."

Speaking about extensive co-operation in the steel sector, Minister Pradhan mentioned Japan importing iron ore under a long term agreement and India importing high-grade steel from Japan. Shri Pradhan expressed happiness at major Japanese steel companies investing in India through Joint Ventures (JVs) with Indian companies and invited more Japanese investments in the steel sector in India. He also talked about Steel Cluster Policy which will encourage setting up small high-grade steel manufacturing plants.

H.E. Mr.Kajiyama expressed his keenness to upgrade the bilateral engagement in the steel sector, and in this regard appreciated the ongoing efforts to set up a structured and regular dialogue between the Ministry of Steel of India and METI of Japan.

Shri Pradhan speaking about energy ties between the two countries, said, "I firmly believe that both India and Japan have a lot of complementarities in the hydrocarbons sector as well. India will see a massive investment of US$ 160 billion by 2024 in oil and gas exploration, refineries and in setting up natural gas infrastructure. I see a huge potential for us to enhance engagements in the energy sector, especially in LNG business, Gas Hydrates as well as our ambitious Strategic Petroleum Reserves Program. This will be a win-win proposition for both our countries."

Shri Pradhan spoke about India's energy transition and said, "We must have a sustainable energy consumption. India has its own aspiration and strategy to move ahead. Our Prime Minister is a great votary of sustainable energy consumption. We are moving towards a gas-based economy. We must work on scientific advancement to make new sources of energy more affordable."

H. E. Mr.Kajiyama stated his intention to continue providing support for capacity building for India in the LNG sector. He mentioned that Japanese companies would be keen to enhance their participation in India's oil & gas sector.

(With Inputs from PIB)