Japan and India are preparing to finalize a landmark agreement that aims to facilitate the exchange of more than 500,000 people between the two countries over the next five years. The arrangement is expected to be announced during talks between Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scheduled to take place in Japan on Friday.
A key focus of the discussions will be the expansion of people-to-people exchanges. Under the proposed framework, Japan plans to welcome 50,000 individuals from India, with an emphasis on attracting highly skilled professionals in fields such as science and engineering. Tokyo views this initiative as vital for bolstering economic growth and supporting regional revitalization amid demographic challenges.
Beyond mobility, the two leaders are expected to strengthen cooperation in critical areas of science and technology. This includes joint efforts to explore the lunar South Pole, where scientists believe water resources may exist, as well as collaborative initiatives in artificial intelligence, hydrogen energy, and advanced medical research.
On Saturday, Ishiba and Modi are scheduled to visit Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan to tour a semiconductor manufacturing equipment plant. The visit is seen as a symbolic step toward reinforcing bilateral cooperation in securing supply chains for semiconductors and other essential materials, which are central to the global economy.
The forthcoming agreement reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan, extending beyond economic cooperation to encompass cutting-edge technology, space exploration, and human resource development. It also highlights the shared ambition of both nations to shape the future of innovation and regional stability in Asia.
