The Karnataka government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing the state as a global hub for semiconductors, electronics, and advanced manufacturing, as Industries Minister M. B. Patil continues his investment outreach mission in Japan.
Accompanied by senior government officials, including Selvakumar S, Principal Secretary, Department of Commerce and Industries, and Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development, Patil engaged in high-level meetings with key Japanese technology giants, including Tokyo Electron, Mitsubishi Electric, Honda, Yokogawa Electric, and Restar.
Tokyo Electron Keen on Expanding Semiconductor Collaboration
In a meeting with Tokyo Electron, the company confirmed it had already established a development base in Bengaluru, focusing on discovering new materials and improving production efficiency—an important milestone in India’s evolving semiconductor landscape.
“The Karnataka delegation highlighted the state’s robust semiconductor ecosystem and skilled talent pool, making it an ideal destination for Tokyo Electron’s future growth,” the minister’s office said in a statement.
Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement to explore deeper strategic collaboration.
Honda to Set Up First Electric Two-Wheeler Plant in Bengaluru
In a separate meeting, Honda’s leadership, led by Executive Vice President Noriya Kaihara, praised Karnataka’s support for its existing operations, including the Narsapura plant, Honda’s largest two-wheeler manufacturing unit in India with annual production exceeding 2.4 million vehicles.
Crucially, Honda announced that its first electric two-wheeler production base in India will be located in Bengaluru, with an initial investment of ₹600 crore. This initiative is aligned with a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the Global Investors Meet.
“The state government encouraged Honda to expand its investment beyond two-wheelers and assured full policy and infrastructure support,” the official statement added.
Mitsubishi Electric Eyes Expansion in Karnataka
The delegation also held discussions with Mitsubishi Electric, which already has a strong presence in Karnataka in areas such as CNC (Computerized Numerical Controllers), elevators, UPS systems, and chillers.
The Karnataka team emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting capital equipment ecosystems and encouraged Mitsubishi to expand operations further, especially in advanced manufacturing segments.
Yokogawa Electric Plans Expansion Amid Growing Workforce
During a strategic meeting with Yokogawa Electric, the company noted it currently employs over 2,000 people in Bengaluru and has had a positive experience operating in the state. Yokogawa revealed that it is nearing full capacity in its existing facilities and is actively exploring expansion opportunities within Karnataka.
Restar to Launch Distribution JV, Eyes Manufacturing in Bengaluru
Electronics and semiconductor solutions provider Restar shared its plan to enter the Indian market through a joint venture with a local partner, aimed at setting up distribution operations. The Karnataka delegation urged Restar to also consider launching EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) in Bengaluru.
“The state government assured full support for Restar’s upcoming ventures and welcomed further expansion,” the statement said.
Karnataka’s Long-Term Vision: Innovation and Advanced Industry Leadership
The visit forms part of Karnataka’s broader mission to attract high-value Japanese investments, particularly in semiconductors, electric vehicles, electronics, and smart manufacturing. These discussions are expected to boost Karnataka’s global competitiveness in innovation and technology-driven industries.
“Our goal is to position Karnataka not only as a destination for manufacturing but also as a global innovation partner,” Minister Patil stated during the visit.
Conclusion
With strong participation from global technology leaders, Karnataka’s ongoing diplomatic and industrial outreach in Japan is setting the stage for strategic investments, technology partnerships, and job creation in high-growth sectors. As the global semiconductor race intensifies, Karnataka is carving out a leadership role in India’s tech-driven future.
AloJapan.com