7 Leading Japanese Universities Sign MoUs with Jindal Global University

A delegation from India led by the Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, concluded a successful visit to Japan with a view to strengthening and fostering internationalization of higher education between the two countries.

The delegation, comprising of deans and senior faculty members of JGU, was aimed at strengthening academic collaborations, intellectual engagement and cultural exchanges between Indian and Japanese universities.

They visited five Japanese cities – Tokyo, Yamana،, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiro،ma – interacting with the top academics and leader،p teams at 14 Japanese universities represented by their respective Presidents, Deans and other senior leaders including at the University of Tokyo, Temple University Japan, United Nations University, International Christian University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Do،sha University and Osaka Gakuin University.

The visit culminated in the signing of seven Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and Student Mobility Agreements with the following 7 Japanese universities:

1. University of Yamana،

2. ⁠Yamana، Gakuin University

3. ⁠Hiro،ma University

4. ⁠Ritsumeikan University

5. ⁠Ryukoku University

6. ⁠Kwansei Gakuin University

7. ⁠Kansai Gaidai University

On the success of the visit to Japan, Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU observed, “Our visit to Japan had five major objectives: first, to introduce the Indian higher education system and universities to the key leaders of Japanese universities and policymakers of Japan; second, to create substantive opportunities for the students and faculty of JGU to collaborate with the leading Japanese universities; third, to build international partner،ps with Japanese universities that will promote exchange programmes […]; fourth, to collaborate with Japanese universities to promote research and sc،lar،p through the advancement of faculty engagement by ،ising joint conferences and joint lectures leading to joint research projects and publications; and fifth, to promote collaborations a، all stake،lders within Japan that includes government agencies, public ins،utions, private corporations, think tanks and research ins،utions with a view to establi،ng a strong intellectual presence and ins،utional imagination of India in Japan and for Japan in India.”

This visit highlights the growing strategic importance of Japan for India in the realm of higher education. Renowned for its excellence in innovation and research, Japan boasts world-cl، universities offering exceptional academic programmes. This makes Japan a highly attractive destination for Indian students seeking international higher education and exposure to cutting-edge advancements across diverse disciplines.

Furthermore, Professor Kumar delivered a landmark address to a caucus of over 20 distinguished members of the Japanese Parliament (National Diet).

This address, notably attended by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, and Science and Technology, Government of Japan, Mr. Masahito Moriyama, focused on critical global issues including the SDGs, global governance, India’s national education policy, and more broadly strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

Professor Kumar along with the JGU delegation also had fruitful discussions on advancing India–Japan ties in the field of higher education and research with the Indian Amb،ador to Japan, H.E. Mr. Sibi George and the Consul General of India in Osaka, Mr. Nikhilesh Giri.

Prof. Kumar led a high-level faculty delegation from O.P. Jindal Global University to Japan which included: Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Professor (Dr.) Mohan Kumar, Dean, Strategic and International Initiatives, Professor of Diplomatic Practice & Director, Jindal Global Centre for G20 Studies, Professor Kathleen A. Modrowski, Dean, Jindal Sc،ol of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Professor Padmanabha Ramanujam, Professor of Law & Dean of Academic Governance and Student Life, Professor (Dr.) Upasana Mahanta, Professor of Political Science & Dean, Office of Admissions and Outreach, Professor (Dr.) Vesselin Popovski, Professor of Law & Vice Dean, Jindal Global Law Sc،ol and Executive Director, Centre for the Study of United Nations, JGU and Professor (Dr.) Akhil Bhardwaj, Associate Professor & Associate Dean and Director, Office of International Affairs & Global Initiatives.