Japan and India began negotiations on the Japan-India Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in January 2007. At the 14th round of negotiations held in Tokyo today, both delegations wrapped up the discussions to date and reached an agreement in principle. Once this EPA enters into force, it will be the 12th EPA for Japan.

1. India is the third largest economy in Asia and the largest among the countries with which Japan has concluded, or is negotiating for, a bilateral EPA. Since India has been enjoying robust economic growth in recent years, the present agreement is expected to increase business opportunities for Japan.
2. The conclusion of this EPA will liberalize and facilitate trade, promote investment, and improve systems in related fields. This will further strengthen economic relations between the two countries and eventually tighten overall bilateral relations.
3. This agreement in the EPA negotiations is expected to advance further with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA) pursued by ASEAN+6.

> November 2004

Agreement reached to set up the Japan-India Joint Study Group (JSG)

> July 2005 to April 2006

Four JSG meetings held

> December 2006

Decision to start negotiations made during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Japan

> January 2007 to September 2010

14 rounds of formal negotiations and many interim meetings held

> September 2010

Agreement in principle reached between the Japanese and Indian delegations

September 9, 2010

Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau