India and Japan have strengthened their strategic collaboration in science, technology, and innovation following a high-level bilateral meeting between senior government representatives from both countries. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in emerging and critical technologies, particularly in health research, medical devices, and quantum science.
Japan’s Minister for Science and Technology Policy and Minister of State for Space Policy, Ms. ONODA Kimi, along with a high-level official delegation, met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh.
India and Japan Exchange Key Agreements
During the meeting, both countries exchanged a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in the field of health and medical devices among the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
In addition, the two sides signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on cooperation in Quantum Science and Technology between Japan’s Cabinet Office and DST. The agreement aims to create new opportunities for collaboration in next-generation technologies.
As reported by pib.gov.in, the engagement further builds on the outcomes of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan in August 2025, where both nations agreed to expand the India-Japan Science, Technology and Innovation Partnership across multiple sectors, including industry and startups.
Dr. Jitendra Singh Highlights Complementary Strengths
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the strong synergy between India and Japan in the field of science and technology.
“Japan brings advanced technological capabilities, while India offers a vast pool of talented human resources. Together, we can accelerate innovation in frontier areas and translate research into impactful societal outcomes,” he said.
He further highlighted India’s growing focus on deep-tech sectors through national missions in:
- Quantum Technologies
- Cyber-Physical Systems
- Electric Mobility
- Clean Energy
- Advanced Computing
According to the Minister, these initiatives create significant opportunities for joint research, co-development, and industrial partnerships between the two countries.
Japan Appreciates India’s Innovation Ecosystem
Ms. ONODA Kimi praised India’s rapid economic growth and its strong commitment to innovation, especially the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence across sectors.
She also noted that her interactions with Indian academic institutions revealed a culture of resilience among young researchers.
“They demonstrate the ability to learn from failure and continue pursuing innovation,” she observed.
Furthermore, she stated that Japan’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, quantum technologies, and computational sciences closely complement India’s expanding technology ecosystem.
She expressed confidence that the newly exchanged agreements in quantum technologies and health research would deepen collaboration across research, application, and industrial deployment.
Quantum Technology Collaboration Gains Momentum
A major focus of the discussions centered on strengthening cooperation under India’s National Quantum Mission.
Both sides discussed collaboration across areas such as:
- Quantum computing
- Quantum communication
- Quantum sensing
- Quantum materials
- Long-distance quantum secure communication networks
Japan also shared insights into its network of quantum innovation hubs and global initiatives focused on industrialization and standardization of quantum technologies.
Additionally, Japanese representatives expressed interest in building stronger partnerships with Indian research institutions to accelerate innovation and technology deployment.
Focus on Research Mobility and Innovation Platforms
The two countries also reviewed ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting researcher mobility and collaborative innovation platforms.
These programmes allow Indian researchers to undertake joint research projects and industry internships in Japan, thereby strengthening academic and industrial linkages.
Both sides acknowledged that such initiatives play a crucial role in enhancing long-term scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Expanding Cooperation in Health Research and Medical Technologies
In the healthcare sector, India and Japan explored opportunities to expand cooperation through:
- Joint research programmes
- Capacity-building initiatives
- Structured funding arrangements
- Institutional workshops and researcher exchanges
The discussions also emphasized identifying priority areas of mutual interest through continuous engagement between research institutions and funding agencies in both countries.
Shared Vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
The interaction reflected a shared commitment to strengthening science and technology partnerships among like-minded nations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Both countries agreed that deeper collaboration among academia, research institutions, and industry would play a critical role in advancing innovation-driven growth and regional cooperation.
Senior Officials Participate in Bilateral Discussions
The Indian delegation included:
- Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
- Prof. Rajiv Bahl, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research
- Senior officials involved in international cooperation and quantum initiatives
The Japanese delegation featured:
- Mr. Fukunaga Tetsuro, Director-General, Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
- Mr. Hayashi Teiji, Ambassador for Global Health
- Representatives from AMED and the Embassy of Japan in India
Both Nations Commit to Deeper Engagement
The meeting concluded with both India and Japan agreeing to intensify collaboration at multiple levels, including researcher-to-researcher partnerships, institutional cooperation, and industry linkages.
Through these initiatives, both countries aim to further deepen bilateral cooperation in science, technology, innovation, healthcare, and emerging technologies.