Japan and India to set up framework for promoting biogas-run cars

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SEOUL: The Japanese and Indian governments will establish a new strategic framework to promote environmentally friendly biogas-powered vehicles, aiming to significantly scale up clean energy infrastructure. 

Under this initiative, the two nations target expanding the number of Indian production plants that manufacture methane from fermented cow dung to 1,000 for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.

Japan’s Suzuki Motor, which holds the largest market share for passenger cars in India, will actively cooperate in the framework. The automaker has already initiated biogas production utilizing Global South subsidies provided by the Japanese government, looking to further expand CNG vehicles, which currently make up over 20% of India's new auto sales.

The official memorandum of understanding will be exchanged during Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s upcoming three-day visit to India, marking her first trip since taking office.

Takaichi is scheduled to hold a bilateral summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to finalize the clean energy agreement.

India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer, heavily relies on oil imports and strongly welcomes the initiative to lower its import dependence.

Beyond energy, Japanese officials emphasized that the collaboration strengthens economic security and deepens strategic ties amidst China's growing assertiveness and changing U.S. international policies.