India and Japan are set to establish a framework to boost biogas-powered vehicles, aiming to enhance clean mobility and energy security. The two countries plan to expand methane production plants for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in India. During Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s upcoming visit to India, the governments will exchange a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize this collaboration.
Under the proposed framework, India and Japan aim to increase the number of plants in India producing methane from fermented cow dung for CNG vehicles to approximately 1,000. Suzuki Motor, a leading Japanese automaker dominating India’s passenger vehicle market, will back this initiative. The company has already initiated biogas production in India with financial support from Japan’s Global South program and aims to further promote CNG vehicles in the country.
CNG-powered vehicles constitute over 20% of new passenger vehicle sales in India. The country, facing escalating energy demands and significant reliance on imported crude oil, is exploring alternative and cleaner fuel sources. Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to engage in summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her visit, emphasizing areas such as economic security, clean energy, and economic growth.
Japan views closer ties with India as strategically crucial amid evolving geopolitical challenges and escalating regional competition. The visit signifies a reciprocal “shuttle diplomacy” between the leaders of India and Japan, focusing on strengthening cooperation in various sectors.
