The high-level engagement marked a major step ahead in strengthening the India–Japan strategic partnership in science, expertise, and innovation, with a robust emphasis on rising and important applied sciences.
A key consequence of the assembly was the alternate of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in well being and medical units among the many Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and the Department of Science and Technology.
In addition, a Letter of Intent (LoI) on cooperation in quantum science and expertise was signed between Japan’s Cabinet Office and DST, opening new avenues for collaboration in next-generation applied sciences.
The discussions constructed on the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s go to to Japan in August 2025, throughout which each nations agreed to develop cooperation below the India–Japan Science, Technology and Innovation Partnership throughout sectors, together with trade and startups.
Addressing the assembly, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the pure synergy between the 2 international locations, noting that whereas Japan affords superior technological capabilities, India brings an enormous pool of expert human assets. He mentioned this mix can speed up innovation in frontier areas and translate analysis into significant societal outcomes.
He additional pointed to India’s increasing nationwide missions in quantum applied sciences, cyber-physical programs, electrical mobility, clear power, and superior computing as proof of the nation’s sturdy push into deep-tech sectors, creating contemporary alternatives for joint analysis, co-development, and industrial collaboration.
Onoda Kimi, in her remarks, praised India’s speedy financial progress and its sturdy dedication to innovation, notably the large-scale adoption of synthetic intelligence. She famous that her interactions with educational establishments in India mirrored a tradition of resilience amongst younger researchers, who proceed to innovate regardless of challenges.
She emphasised that Japan’s strengths in superior manufacturing and computational applied sciences, together with quantum and AI, align carefully with India’s rising expertise ecosystem. She expressed confidence that the agreements signed—particularly in quantum applied sciences and well being analysis—will deepen collaboration throughout analysis, utility, and industrial deployment.
Both sides additionally exchanged views on strengthening cooperation below India’s National Quantum Mission, which focuses on quantum computing, communication, sensing, and supplies, together with the event of long-distance quantum-secure communication networks.
Japan shared insights into its community of quantum innovation hubs and international initiatives geared toward industrialisation and standardisation, expressing curiosity in constructing stronger linkages with Indian establishments. Enhancing collaboration between analysis hubs in each international locations was recognized as a key precedence.
The discussions additionally lined initiatives corresponding to researcher mobility and joint innovation platforms, enabling Indian researchers to undertake collaborative initiatives and trade internships in Japan. Both sides acknowledged the significance of those programmes in strengthening educational and industrial ties.
In the sphere of well being analysis and medical applied sciences, the 2 international locations explored increasing cooperation by means of joint analysis, capability constructing, and structured funding mechanisms. They mentioned supporting collaborative initiatives by means of respective funding companies and selling engagement by means of workshops and researcher-level interactions to determine precedence areas.
The assembly underscored the shared dedication of India and Japan to strengthen partnerships amongst like-minded nations in assist of a free and open Indo-Pacific, with collaboration spanning academia, analysis establishments, and trade.
Senior Indian officers current included Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST, and Prof. Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR, together with different key representatives concerned in worldwide cooperation and quantum initiatives.
The Japanese delegation included senior officers corresponding to Fukunaga Tetsuro, Director-General, Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Hayashi Teiji, Ambassador for Global Health, and representatives from AMED and the Embassy of Japan in India.
The assembly concluded with either side agreeing to deepen engagement at a number of ranges—starting from researcher-to-researcher collaboration to institutional and trade partnerships—to additional strengthen India–Japan cooperation in science, expertise, and innovation.