India–Japan tech power move: Big deals signed in quantum, healthcare

The high-level engagement marked a significant step forward in strengthening the India–Japan strategic partnership in science, technology, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on emerging and critical technologies.

A key outcome of the meeting was the exchange of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in health and medical devices among the 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 technology was signed between Japan’s Cabinet Office and DST, opening new avenues for collaboration in next-generation technologies.

The discussions built on the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan in August 2025, during which both nations agreed to expand cooperation under the India–Japan Science, Technology and Innovation Partnership across sectors, including industry and startups.

Addressing the meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the natural synergy between the two countries, noting that while Japan offers advanced technological capabilities, India brings a vast pool of skilled human resources. He said this combination can accelerate innovation in frontier areas and translate research into meaningful societal outcomes.

He further pointed to India’s expanding national missions in quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems, electric mobility, clean energy, and advanced computing as evidence of the country’s strong push into deep-tech sectors, creating fresh opportunities for joint research, co-development, and industrial collaboration.

Onoda Kimi, in her remarks, praised India’s rapid economic growth and its strong commitment to innovation, particularly the large-scale adoption of artificial intelligence. She noted that her interactions with academic institutions in India reflected a culture of resilience among young researchers, who continue to innovate despite challenges.

She emphasised that Japan’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and computational technologies, including quantum and AI, align closely with India’s growing technology ecosystem. She expressed confidence that the agreements signed—especially in quantum technologies and health research—will deepen collaboration across research, application, and industrial deployment.

Both sides also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation under India’s National Quantum Mission, which focuses on quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials, along with the development of long-distance quantum-secure communication networks.

Japan shared insights into its network of quantum innovation hubs and global initiatives aimed at industrialisation and standardisation, expressing interest in building stronger linkages with Indian institutions. Enhancing collaboration between research hubs in both countries was identified as a key priority.

The discussions also covered initiatives such as researcher mobility and joint innovation platforms, enabling Indian researchers to undertake collaborative projects and industry internships in Japan. Both sides acknowledged the importance of these programmes in strengthening academic and industrial ties.

In the field of health research and medical technologies, the two countries explored expanding cooperation through joint research, capacity building, and structured funding mechanisms. They discussed supporting collaborative projects through respective funding agencies and promoting engagement through workshops and researcher-level interactions to identify priority areas.

The meeting underscored the shared commitment of India and Japan to strengthen partnerships among like-minded nations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, with collaboration spanning academia, research institutions, and industry.

Senior Indian officials present included Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST, and Prof. Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR, along with other key representatives involved in international cooperation and quantum initiatives.

The Japanese delegation included senior officials such as 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 meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to deepen engagement at multiple levels—ranging from researcher-to-researcher collaboration to institutional and industry partnerships—to further strengthen India–Japan cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.