ICIJ–ASSOCHAM Memorandum of Understanding Signed in Tokyo
Date: 26th August 2026
Venue: Tokyo Imperial Hotel
The Indian Commerce and Industry Association Japan (ICIJ) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on August 26, 2026, at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, marking an important step toward strengthening institutional cooperation and promoting greater economic and business engagement between India and Japan.
The MOU was formally exchanged by Mr. Jagmohan Chandrani, President of ICIJ, and Mr. Nirmal Minda, President of ASSOCHAM. Welcoming the ICIJ delegation to ASSOCHAM, Mr. Minda underscored the longstanding and growing relationship between India and Japan and emphasized the importance of closer collaboration between the business communities of both countries.
The ICIJ delegation comprised Mr. Jagmohan S. Chandrani, President; Dr. Sunil Kaul, Governor–Science & Technology; and Mr. Priyesh Pawar, Secretariat Officer.
ASSOCHAM: A Century of Industry Leadership
Established in 1920, ASSOCHAM is one of India’s oldest and most respected apex industry bodies. For more than a century, it has played a significant role in shaping India’s economic and industrial development by serving as an important bridge between industry and government, while facilitating trade, investment, policy dialogue, and international business cooperation.
With a network of more than 450,000 members, including a substantial representation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), ASSOCHAM provides actionable insights and industry perspectives to strengthen India’s business ecosystem. Its extensive network also encompasses more than 400 associations, federations, and regional chambers, supported by 16 regional offices across India.
ASSOCHAM Business Mission to Japan
The signing of the MOU took place during ASSOCHAM’s high-powered Business Mission to Japan, led by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, from August 24–27, 2026.
The ASSOCHAM delegation was led by Mr. Nirmal Minda, President of ASSOCHAM and Chairman of Uno Minda Group, and comprised senior industry leaders and CEOs representing prominent Indian companies.
The delegation represented a broad range of sectors central to India–Japan economic cooperation, including automotive and auto components, electronics, IT and IT-enabled services (IT & ITES), infrastructure, smart manufacturing, green technologies, and industrial special economic zones (SEZs).
Mr. Ryoko Hira, Chairman of ICIJ, mentioned that the MOU with ASSOCHAM aims to establish a framework for stronger collaboration, promoting business networking, sharing knowledge, and increasing trade and investment opportunities, thereby strengthening the engagement between Indian and Japanese companies. The partnership represents a significant milestone in ICIJ’s efforts to strengthen India–Japan relations and build new avenues for collaboration across emerging and strategic sectors.
