India and Japan have further strengthened their strategic partnership in science and technology by signing major agreements focused on healthcare innovation and advanced technologies during a high-level bilateral meeting held in New Delhi. The meeting brought together Japan’s Minister for Science and Technology Policy and Minister of State for Space Policy, Kimi Onoda, and India’s Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh.

A key outcome of the discussions was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in health and medical devices involving the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and India’s Department of Science and Technology. The agreement aims to promote collaborative research, skill development initiatives, and funding support to drive innovation in healthcare and medical technologies.

The two countries also exchanged a Letter of Intent on cooperation in Quantum Science and Technology between Japan’s Cabinet Office and India’s Department of Science and Technology. The agreement is expected to deepen collaboration in emerging fields such as quantum computing, secure communication, quantum sensing, and advanced materials research.

Both nations agreed to expand cooperation under India’s National Quantum Mission through researcher exchange programmes, joint innovation initiatives, and internship opportunities designed to encourage scientific talent and technological advancement. During the meeting, Jitendra Singh highlighted the strong complementarity between India and Japan in the field of science and technology, stating that Japan’s technological expertise combined with India’s large pool of skilled professionals offers immense opportunities for innovation. He added that bilateral cooperation has entered a new era following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan in 2025, which paved the way for greater collaboration in future technologies.

Kimi Onoda praised India’s fast-growing economy and dynamic innovation ecosystem, particularly the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence across industries. She emphasised Japan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and quantum technologies, expressing optimism that the partnership would produce significant advancements in healthcare and quantum science. Healthcare was identified as a priority sector, with both countries committing to stronger collaboration in research, innovation-driven projects, and the accelerated development of advanced medical devices. The partnership is expected to improve healthcare solutions and technological innovation across the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of India and Japan to enhance cooperation in science and technology while supporting a free, open, and innovation-led Indo-Pacific. By combining their strengths in healthcare innovation and quantum technologies, both nations aim to play a leading role in shaping the future of scientific progress in the region.