University of Tokyo delegation visits JGU to strengthen India

The University of Tokyo delegation visited OP Jindal Global University in New Delhi to strengthen academic collaboration and expand student and faculty exchange programs between India and Japan.

Led by Professor Kaori Hayashi, Executive Vice President for Global and Diversity Affairs, along with Professors Yujin Yaguchi and Satsuki Shioyama, the six-day tour included Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru and focused on the theme, “Future of Global Education: India and Japan as Leaders of Knowledge and Innovation.”

JGU currently holds the distinction of being the only Indian university with a formal university-wide collaboration with UTokyo, spanning disciplines, faculties, and institutional priorities.

“This India tour substantially advances JGU’s Act East mandate and places higher education at the heart of the strategic partnership between India and Japan,” said Professor C Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU.

“For students, the partnership provides structured access to UTokyo through short-term study abroad programs, semester exchanges, and direct interaction with Japanese faculty and students,” said Professor Akhil Bhardwaj, Vice Dean, Office of International Affairs and Global Initiatives.

“For faculty, it opens avenues for joint research, co-teaching initiatives, and collaborative academic events,” added Bhardwaj.

During the tri-city visit, both universities focused on student mobility, faculty collaboration, and joint research frameworks.

A major highlight was the signing of an agreement for a three-week short-term study abroad program for 30 JGU students at UTokyo in June–July 2026.

“We are expanding opportunities for Indian students through short-term programs, semester exchanges, and jointly designed academic initiatives,” Bhardwaj said.

“At the same time, we are encouraging Japanese students and faculty to come to India. JGU will host its first cohort from Japan for a short-term India Immersion Program in January 2026,” Bhardwaj added.

Professor Hayashi noted the rising interest of Indian students in Japan, “Japan warmly welcomes the growing number of talented Indian students who aspire to study, research, and build their futures in Japan. Indian students bring a unique blend of creativity, curiosity, and global outlook that enriches our campuses and strengthens our research collaborations.”

The Study in Japan (South Asia) initiative has reached over 25,000 students in more than 100 cities.

Its digital platform, Navi Japan, has recorded 15,000+ downloads and 3,800+ live student chats, broadening access to Japanese higher education beyond major metropolitan areas.

Professor Yujin Yaguchi highlighted the importance of two-way mobility, “We believe we can provide excellent educational resources to Indian students, and Japanese students can learn much from their experience in India. Some challenges include lack of information on both sides. We want to provide a better information system for students and parents.”

The delegation explored joint and dual degrees and collaborative research in engineering, AI, robotics, sustainability, design, and management, along with innovative teaching formats such as co-taught courses, joint seminars, and hybrid learning.

“Short-term visits, semester exchanges, and internships are effective for undergraduates. Programs such as joint degrees create a space where students of both nations can study together. We need a range of programs to ensure sustained relationships,” Yaguchi said.

Beyond academics, the conclave emphasized people-to-people engagement. Student friendships and faculty collaborations are seen as long-term assets for India–Japan relations.

“This tri-city India tour with UTokyo will lay strong foundations for long-term collaboration in faculty exchange, student mobility programs, and co-created initiatives that connect universities, industry, and government stakeholders,” Bhardwaj said.