Tokyo, April 6: India’s Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, delivered a virtual address at the grand finale of the ‘India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation Exchange’ held at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo. He emphasized the strong bilateral partnership that has flourished over four decades.
Minister Singh expressed his delight in speaking at the event, stating, “It is a pleasure to address you all during the grand finale of the India-Japan Year of Science and Technology.”
He noted the strength of bilateral relations, saying, “I am pleased to see that India-Japan scientific and technological cooperation serves as a robust pillar in our international science and technology relations. It is a joy to celebrate this year as we commemorate 40 years of our partnership.”
Discussing India’s growing role in innovation, he highlighted that the country plays a significant role in research and development across all fields of science and technology. This includes educational institutions, R&D centers, and entrepreneurs, with equal opportunities for women and young scientists.
Singh referenced key milestones achieved in recent years, including the 11th India-Japan Joint Science and Technology Committee meeting held on June 5, 2025, in New Delhi, which advanced several new initiatives.
Additionally, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on August 31 last year, a Joint Statement of Intent was signed to strengthen relations in science, technology, and innovation. A new Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was also signed between Japan’s Medical Research and Development Agency and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
He mentioned ongoing collaborations, noting that the Indian Beamline developed in Tsukuba, Japan, is aiding the latest research efforts.
Furthermore, he announced that the Japan Science and Technology Agency is launching the Lotus Program, which will invite and support 1,000 Indian researchers annually. An implementation arrangement has also been established for a joint lunar landing between ISRO and Japan’s JAXA.
Emphasizing future partnerships, he stated, “We consider Japan a reliable partner, where Japanese technology and Indian talent can complement each other. We hope to establish a joint center between India and Japan that will accelerate innovation in science and technology and address both countries’ scientific challenges, as well as global goals like sustainable development.”
In closing, he congratulated the Indian Embassy in Japan for organizing the event.
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