Japanese delegation visits IIT Guwahati to strengthen strategic tech and research ties

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 4, 2025

A high-profile Japanese delegation, led by Speaker of the House of Representatives Fukushiro Nukaga, visited the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) to reinforce Indo-Japan collaboration in science, technology, and innovation.

The delegation comprised four Japanese Members of Parliament, the former Ambassador of Japan to India, senior government officials, embassy representatives, and 22 industry delegates from leading Japanese companies. The visit underscored the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan, built on democratic values and mutual goals for sustainable development.

IIT Guwahati Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal welcomed the delegates and presented the institute’s global initiatives, research milestones, and commitment to collaborative problem-solving. “We value Japan’s enduring partnership and its focus on future-ready collaboration,” said Prof. Jalihal. “IIT Guwahati is eager to co-develop innovative solutions with our Japanese counterparts.”

In his remarks, Speaker Nukaga highlighted the importance of India and Japan working together on emerging technologies, education, and sustainability. He emphasized deeper engagement through research partnerships, academic exchange, and innovation-driven cooperation, recognizing both nations as key players in the Eastern hemisphere.

The delegation toured IIT Guwahati’s Centre for Nanotechnology, where they explored the institute’s advanced cleanroom facility—comparable to the infrastructure planned for the Tata Semiconductor plant in Assam, a project supported by the institute. The team also reviewed indigenous R&D efforts in nanotech.

At the Technology Incubation Centre and Research Park, delegates engaged with start-ups specializing in artificial intelligence and healthcare solutions. Several innovative products developed at the institute were gifted to Speaker Nukaga as a token of appreciation.

The visit concluded with one-on-one discussions between Japanese officials, IIT Guwahati leadership, and representatives from the Assam government. The talks focused on expanding academic and industrial ties and advancing the vision of enabling 50,000 Indo-Japan student and research exchanges, as outlined by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.