India and Japan expand research ties in quantum science, AI and medical devices
India and Japan signed formal agreements Wednesday to deepen collaboration in quantum science, artificial intelligence and medical research, with both countries committing to joint projects, researcher exchanges and industry partnerships.
Japan's Minister for Science and Technology Policy ONODA Kimi met Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi to finalize the arrangements. The two countries exchanged a Memorandum of Cooperation covering health and medical devices between Japan's Agency for Medical Research and Development, India's Council of Medical Research, and India's Department of Science and Technology.
A separate Letter of Intent on quantum science and technology was signed between Japan's Cabinet Office and India's Department of Science and Technology.
What the collaboration covers
The agreements build on India's national missions in quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems, electric mobility, clean energy and advanced computing. Both countries plan to focus on:
- Quantum computing, communication and sensing
- Secure communication networks
- Researcher mobility and joint innovation platforms
- Industry internships for Indian researchers in Japan
- Linking Japan's quantum innovation hubs with Indian institutions
Dr Jitendra Singh said India's pool of technical talent combined with Japan's advanced manufacturing and computational capabilities creates scope for accelerated innovation. "Together, we can translate research into impactful societal outcomes," he said.
ONODA Kimi highlighted India's rapid economic growth and adoption of AI across sectors. She also noted the resilience of Indian researchers and their ability to learn from setbacks and continue pursuing innovation.
Building on earlier commitments
The agreements extend cooperation announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan in August 2025, when both countries agreed to expand the India-Japan Science, Technology and Innovation Partnership.
The new framework prioritizes researcher-to-researcher collaboration, institutional partnerships and industry linkages to strengthen ties in frontier technologies and medical research and development.
For professionals in research roles, the expanded access to Japanese quantum innovation hubs and cross-border researcher programs represents direct opportunities for collaboration and skill development in emerging technology areas.
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