India, June 28 -- The paradox of interest vs. action.

In recent years, the economic corridors between India and Japan have hummed with unprecedented dialogue. Government initiatives, bilateral summits, and institutional frameworks have laid foundations for macroeconomic cooperation. For Japan's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), India is no longer a distant market. Bureau offices like the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and various prefectural trade bodies report a historic high in routine inquiries from Japanese entrepreneurs. They ask about Indian demographics, regulatory frameworks, and market potential.

Yet, a persistent paradox remains: the wave of curiosity has not yet translated into a proportionate number of...