16 September 2025

Abstract
This article looks into how infrastructure and connectivity finance has become a cornerstone of India–Japan relations, with a particular emphasis on advancing sustainable mobility. Japan’s financial support and technological expertise, demonstrated through projects such as the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor and the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail, have played a significant role in addressing India’s mobility challenges. By examining financial flows, policy frameworks, and the broader developmental vision underlying these initiatives, the study highlights how bilateral cooperation is fostering not only economic growth but also low-carbon, inclusive, and resilient transport systems. Framed within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), the analysis underscores that sustainable mobility is not merely a matter of infrastructure, but a strategic pathway for equitable growth and stronger Indo–Japan ties.

Keywords: India–Japan relations, infrastructure finance, sustainable mobility, connectivity, SDGs

Introduction

In the 21st-century Indo-Pacific, the geopolitical environment is shaped not just by security alliances but also by economic partnerships. In this complex setting, the India-Japan partnership has grown into a strong alliance, using infrastructure development as a key element of its strategy. Their collaboration in sustainable mobility is more than just a series of development projects; it is a coordinated effort to create a robust, rule-based regional framework. This initiative aims to redefine regional connectivity as a tangible expression of the "Special Strategic and Global Partnership" (Ministry of External Affairs, India, 2025; The Diplomat, 2025).  

This partnership connects Japan’s "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) initiative and its "Quality Infrastructure" strategy with India’s "Act East Policy" and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Together, they provide a strong counter-narrative to other regional development frameworks (Government of India, n.d.; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, 2019; Nagao, 2025). This examination explores this critical partnership by focusing on its major initiatives, such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR), the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), and urban Mass Rapid Transit Systems (Metros). It assesses their impacts, implementation challenges, and future prospects

1. Strategic Alignment

While grounded in a rich historical connection, the strategic alignment of the India-Japan partnership significantly increased after the Cold War. It transitioned from a "Global Partnership" in 2000 to a "Special Strategic and Global Partnership" in 2014, driven by shared concerns over China's growing assertiveness in the region (Nagao, 2025; The Diplomat, 2025). This unity fostered the political trust needed for extensive, long-term economic investments.

2.  India's Transportation Necessity and Japan's Approach

The alliance is particularly effective in addressing India’s severe mobility challenges. Rapid urbanization has led to crippling traffic jams and serious air pollution, contributing to an estimated 1.67 million premature deaths in 2019 (Balakrishnan et al., 2020; ForumIAS, n.d.). Although national initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti initiative provide a framework, significant gaps remain in implementation due to fragmented local planning (Observer Research Foundation, 2025).  Japan's "Quality Infrastructure" initiative, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), offers a targeted response. It provides not only favorable financing but also crucial "implementation capital" through technical expertise, a focus on lifecycle costs, and a commitment to safety, sustainability, and transparency. This approach addresses India's capital needs and strengthens its ability to manage complex projects (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, 2019).

3.  Cases on Joint Development

The Flagship: High-Speed Rail between Mumbai and Ahmedabad (MAHSR)

The 508 km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) stands out as the centerpiece of the partnership. JICA funds a substantial part of the project with a low-interest loan at 0.1% for 50 years (JICA, 2023). The project serves as a means to implement Japan’s renowned Shinkansen technology, known for its exceptional safety and efficiency (JapanGov, 2023).

1. Financial Foundation: The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WThe FiDFC)

While the MAHSR represents the symbol of cooperation, the 1,506 km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) acts as the partnership's economic backbone. Serving as the transportation framework for the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), the WDFC, funded by JICA, has revolutionized logistics in India (JICA, 2024). Separating freight from passenger traffic has increased freight train speeds from an average of 25 km/h to 100 km/h, cutting travel times between western ports and the National Capital Region in half (PSA India, n.d.; World Bank, 2017). This directly supports India's goal of lowering logistics costs to under 10% of GDP. Environmentally, this shift to an electrified rail network helps to reduce carbon emissions, expected to be 2.25 times lower compared to a typical scenario (World Bank, 2017).

2. Rapid Mass Transit Networks (Subways)

Beyond inter-city projects, the partnership has played a vital role in building urban transportation systems needed by India’s megacities. JICA has become the primary external funder for nearly all major Mass Rapid Transit Systems (Metro) in the country, committing over JPY 3.7 trillion (around $23.5 billion) for projects in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad (Business Standard, 2025; Railway PRO, 2024). These projects are essential for improving the sustainability and livability of Indian cities by providing a safe, reliable, and clean form of transportation that addresses the main drivers of urban congestion and vehicle emissions.

4. Collaborations, Obstacles, and the Way Ahead

This partnership is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by building resilient infrastructure and promoting low-carbon transport (JICA, n.d.). However, the collaboration faces significant execution challenges. Land acquisition has emerged as the biggest hurdle, leading to considerable cost and schedule overruns. This issue is evident from the delays faced by the MAHSR project in Maharashtra (International Railway Journal, 2022). These challenges exceed administrative problems; they pose a geopolitical risk by undermining the image of quality and efficiency that the partnership aims to project as a strategic alternative in the Indo-Pacific.

Conclusion

The India-Japan partnership for sustainable mobility is a powerful example of economic cooperation. It creates a unique approach to problem-solving, blending Japan's "Quality Infrastructure" investment method with India's critical infrastructure needs. Landmark projects like the WDFC, urban metros, and the MAHSR are transforming India’s economy, increasing its competitiveness, and contributing to climate goals.  

This partnership offers a strong model for a new type of regionalism based on shared values and a commitment to quality, sustainable development. Even with significant implementation challenges ahead, this collaboration is financing the physical infrastructure required for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

References

1. Auto EV Times. (2025, September 1). Japan eyes EV battery investments in India to counter China. https://autoevtimes.com/japan-eyes-ev-battery-investments-in-india-to-counter-china/
2. Balakrishnan, K., et al. (2020). The impact of air pollution on deaths, disease burden, and life expectancy across the states of India: The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Lancet Planetary Health, 5(1), e26-e39.
3. Business Standard. (2025, September 2). Beyond the bullet train: Japan's expanding role in India's infrastructure investment. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/japan-india-infrastructure-investment-beyond-bullet-train-125090200480_1.html
4. ForumIAS. (2025 ). Urban mobility in India- Challenges and Way Forward. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://forumias.com/blog/urban-mobility-in-india-challenges-and-way-forward/
5. Government of India. (n.d.). PM Gati Shakti - National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/pm-gati-shakti-national-master-plan-multi-modal-connectivity
6. International Railway Journal. (2022, April 20). India focus moves to Gujarat section of Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed line. https://www.reddit.com/r/highspeedrail/comments/u77cls/india_focus_moves_to_gujarat_section_of_mumbai/
7. JapanGov. (2023, September 8). The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: The First Step Toward a Safe, Sustainable Society. https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2023/09/mumbai_ahmedabad_bullet_train.html
8. Japan International Cooperation Agency. (2023, March 29). Signing of Japanese ODA Loan Agreements with India. https://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2022/20230329_33.html
9. Japan International Cooperation Agency. (2024, February 20). JICA extends ODA loan of INR 2,254 crores for Dedicated Freight Corridor Project (Phase 1) (V). https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/india/information/press/2023/20240220_09.html
10. Japan International Cooperation Agency. (n.d.). JICA and the Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://www.jica.go.jp/india/english/office/others/c8h0vm00004cesxi-att/brochure_19.pdf
11. MDPI. (2023, April 21). The Potential of Collaboration between India and Japan in the Hydrogen Sector. Energies, 16(8), 3596.
12. Ministry of External Affairs, India. (2025, May). India-Japan Relations.((https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India-Japan-May-2025.pdf))
13. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan. (2019, November). Japan's initiatives for a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific". https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000407643.pdf
14. Nagao, S. (2025, August 12). Japan–India strategic evolution in the Indo-Pacific: Partnerships, security, and regional order. Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs.
15. Observer Research Foundation. (2025, June 30). Comprehensive mobility planning in Indian cities: Challenges, gaps, and the way forward. https://www.orfonline.org/research/comprehensive-mobility-planning-in-indian-cities-challenges-gaps-and-the-way-forward
16. PSA India. (n.d.). Transforming the Indian Economy: The Impact of Dedicated Freight Corridor on Indian Railways. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://india.globalpsa.com/transforming-the-indian-economy-the-impact-of-dedicated-freight-corridor-on-indian-railways/
17. Railway PRO. (2024, July 8). Mumbai and Delhi metro projects secure loans. https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/mumbai-and-delhi-metro-projects-secure-loans/
18. The Diplomat. (2025, April). Abe Shinzo and Japan's discovery of India. https://thediplomat.com/2025/04/abe-shinzo-and-japans-discovery-of-india/
19. Wikipedia. (2025, September 1). Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbai%E2%80%93Ahmedabad_high-speed_rail_corridor
20. World Bank. (2017, February 7). Green signal for faster development on India's new freight corridor.https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2017/02/07/green-signal-faster-development-indias-new-freight-corridor

The authors Sahana Sriram and Nithin Senthilkumar are Independent Researchers in Bengaluru, India.