In India, the year's biggest business forum began on Wednesday.

Government officials and business leaders from over 130 countries and regions are gathering for the three-day event in Gandhinagar, in the western state of Gujarat.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for investments in advanced technologies his government is committed to fostering, like semiconductors.

India now has the largest population of any country in the world. Its economy is steaming ahead, attracting attention from global investors.

The government says total investment commitments made by companies on the event's first day topped 86 billion dollars.

About 30 Japanese firms are taking part. They are promoting technologies in fields such as semiconductors and renewable energy.