India-Japan share deeply rooted special strategic and global partnership: Amb Srivastava

By R Anil Kumar

Bengaluru, December 4, 2025. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, today inaugurated the India-Japan STI Forum Conference 2025, a flagship bilateral platform aimed at deepening cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. Hosted at the historic Faculty Hall, the two-day forum—held under the theme “Innovative Solutions for India–Japan Synergy”—brings together distinguished thought leaders, government officials, researchers, and innovators from both nations.

The conference seeks to identify new avenues of strategic collaboration to address global challenges, strengthen economic partnerships, and shape sustainable development models.

Prof. Anjula Gurtoo, Chair of the India–Japan STI Forum 2025 Committee at IISc, highlighted the deeper vision behind the event:

“The India–Japan STI Forum, a collaboration between IISc and Keio University, is designed to strengthen cultural and people-to-people connections through the science and technology route. This year, our focus is on synergetic solutions—leveraging the strengths of two major academic institutions to influence governments and catalyse deeper collaborations across SMEs, energy, sustainability, and green technologies. As part of this third edition, we are preparing a policy brief that will be shared with both the Indian and Japanese governments to help translate these ideas into actionable outcomes.”

High-Level Participation and Opening Reflections

The inaugural session featured prominent speakers including:

• Dr. Sapna Poti, Director, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India
• Ms. Sujata Saunik, Former Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra
• Dr. Richa Sharma, Deputy Director, ICSSR
• Mr. Masafumi Senda, Region Head, NEDO South Asia & Middle East
• Dr. Lakshmi Priya, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, IAS
• Prof. G. Raghuram, Former Director, IIM Bangalore

Speaking as Guest of Honour, Amb. Raj Kumar Srivastava, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, articulated the depth and global relevance of the India–Japan partnership:

“India and Japan share a deeply rooted Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and each of these words carries great significance. It is ‘special’ because of our historical and civilisational bonds; ‘strategic’ because our cooperation goes beyond bilateral interests to serve the wider global community; and ‘global’ because what we jointly create ultimately contributes as a public good. For this partnership to thrive, people-to-people ties, scientific collaboration, and business linkages must grow to a level where they operate almost on autopilot.

The India–Japan Science, Technology and Innovation Forum—now in its third edition at IISc in collaboration with Keio University—moves us strongly in that direction. Compared to the first and second editions, the depth of content has grown significantly. What struck me today was the enthusiastic participation of India’s youth, and no relationship can be future-ready unless young people are deeply engaged.

Japan’s Sakura Science Program, which brings groups of high school students from India to Japan every quarter, is a wonderful example of nurturing such long-term connections. This is the true essence of a democratic partnership—where people connect meaningfully and produce quality outcomes in culture, science, technology, and business.

In this context, it is heartening to see the STI Forum gaining momentum and reaching a critical mass since its inception in 2019. I am very pleased to witness its growth and the promise it holds for the future.”

Key Panels Explore Future-Ready Themes

1. Enabling Technologies and Sectors

This session explored how AI, robotics, machine learning, and emerging technologies can shape inclusive and scalable innovations.

Chairing the discussion, Prof. Kotaro Kataoka (IIT Hyderabad) emphasized:

“Technology must be inclusive and human-centric. India and Japan together can shape global standards in responsible innovation.”

Experts from Deshpande Startups, IIM Udaipur, BITS Pilani, XanhTerra, and NEDO contributed to the dialogue.

2. Economic Partnership to Shape Strategic Growth

This panel examined how both nations can deepen collaboration across manufacturing, connectivity, green energy, and the digital economy.

Prof. G. Raghuram, Former Director, IIM Bangalore, noted:

“Our economic partnership is one of complementarity—Japan’s technological strength coupled with India’s scale and talent offers unmatched potential.”

Speakers included leaders from PADECO, Shimbi Labs, Shimizu Corporation India, and MS Ramaiah University.

3. Codesigning a Sustainable Future

Addressing climate and socio-economic challenges, the panel focused on co-creating sustainable pathways using Japan’s environmental leadership and India’s innovation ecosystem.

Hiromi Hosoya (Keio University) remarked:

“Sustainability requires co-design—governments, communities, and innovators must collaborate to build futures that respect both nature and society.”

Academics and industry experts discussed environmental technologies, community-led transitions, and frameworks for resilience.

4. Skilling for Resilience and Innovation

This session emphasized the need for joint skilling ecosystems for Industry 4.0, digital transformation, and the green transition.

According to Dr. Richa Sharma,

“Talent is our shared strength. Joint skilling programs between India and Japan can help build resilient, globally competitive workforces.”

Panelists from Delhi University, International University of Japan, HCL Technologies, Nihon Naukri Navigator, and TERI offered practical models.

A Forum with a Mission:

A joint initiative between IISc Bengaluru and Keio University, Japan, the India–Japan STI Forum is designed to catalyse transformative innovation across academia, industry, and government. In an era of rapid technological disruptions, climate pressures, and post-pandemic challenges, the Forum seeks to integrate technological innovation with societal needs and environmental priorities.

Its mission extends beyond advancing technology—it aims to reimagine systems across health, energy, mobility, water, food, and finance, ensuring that development remains sustainable, equitable, and future-ready.

A Strengthened Partnership for the Future

With India expanding its position as a global innovation hub and Japan deepening its leadership in technology and sustainability, the STI Forum 2025 marks a crucial milestone in bilateral cooperation.

As one speaker summarized during the opening session:

“India and Japan are not just building technologies—they are building the future.”

The two-day conference is expected to generate actionable insights, policy recommendations, and collaborative frameworks that will shape the next phase of India–Japan partnership and contribute to a more resilient global community.

(With inputs from NFA Agency)