India-Japan Science Ties Enter New Phase as Jitendra Singh Marks 40 Years of Collaboration in Tokyo
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Monday highlighted four decades of strong scientific collaboration between India and Japan while addressing the grand finale of the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology and Innovation Exchange. The event was held at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, where Singh joined virtually and underscored the growing depth of bilateral engagement.
Opening his address, Singh greeted participants and described the occasion as a milestone moment celebrating 40 years of sustained partnership. He emphasised that science and technology cooperation remains a key pillar of India’s global engagements.
Strengthening Bilateral Scientific Cooperation
Highlighting the evolving relationship, Singh stated that Indo-Japan collaboration has expanded across research, innovation, and academic exchange.
“I’m happy to observe that the Indo-Japan science and technology cooperation is one of the strong pillars of our international Science & Technology engagements,” he said.
The minister also pointed to India’s expanding role in global innovation, noting active participation from academia, research institutions, startups, and entrepreneurs. He stressed the importance of inclusive growth, with opportunities for women and young scientists.
Singh outlined several recent milestones that have strengthened bilateral ties. He referred to the 11th Indo-Japan Joint Science & Technology Committee meeting held in New Delhi on June 5, 2025, which paved the way for new collaborative initiatives.
He also highlighted a Joint Statement of Intent signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan in August last year, aimed at deepening cooperation in emerging scientific domains.
Among other key developments, Singh announced a fresh memorandum of cooperation between the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development and the Indian Council of Medical Research to strengthen healthcare innovation.
He further cited ongoing projects such as the Indian Beamline facility in Tsukuba, which supports advanced research, and the unveiling of a bust of C. V. Raman at Shimane University in 2025 as symbolic of shared scientific heritage.
Expanding Collaboration in Space and Innovation
The minister also highlighted strategic collaborations in space exploration, including the joint lunar mission under the LUPEX project between ISRO and JAXA.
In addition, Japan’s Science and Technology Agency has launched the Lotus Programme, which aims to host around 1,000 Indian researchers annually, strengthening academic exchange and innovation capacity.
Singh noted that since 2015, approximately 7,000 Indian students have participated in the Sakura Science Programme, gaining exposure to advanced Japanese research ecosystems.
Future Vision and Strategic Importance
Looking ahead, Singh described Japan as a “trusted partner,” emphasising how Japanese technological expertise and India’s talent pool can complement each other.
He stressed the need for a joint innovation centre to address global challenges, including sustainable development goals, while expanding cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Technology, and space research.
The ongoing India-Japan Year of Science, Technology and Innovation Exchange (2025–26) is expected to further deepen ties and unlock new opportunities for collaboration.
Conclusion
As India and Japan mark 40 years of scientific partnership, the focus is now shifting toward future-ready technologies and global problem-solving. The collaboration continues to evolve as a model of strategic cooperation, combining innovation, talent, and shared vision.
Our Final Thoughts
The India-Japan scientific partnership has steadily transformed into a forward-looking alliance that goes beyond traditional research collaboration. With joint initiatives in space, healthcare, and emerging technologies, both nations are positioning themselves as leaders in global innovation. The next phase of this partnership will likely focus on solving complex global challenges while nurturing young talent and strengthening institutional ties.