O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) recently hosted the 3rd India–Japan Higher Education Forum 2026 in Tokyo, emphasizing the theme “Shaping Universities of the Future in the Era of Human and Artificial Intelligence.” The event gathered notable figures, including a former Japanese Prime Minister, a prominent Indian parliamentarian, diplomats, senior academic leaders, policymakers, and students from both India and Japan. This collective aimed to forge the future of higher education amidst the burgeoning influence of artificial intelligence, all within the framework of the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
The forum’s significance was underscored by the broader context of the India–Japan Summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi advanced cooperation in technology, innovation, and economic resilience. As per a press release, the Tokyo Colloquium highlighted the crucial role of universities in deepening this bilateral relationship through intellectual and institutional collaboration.
The event commenced with a Welcome Address from Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, followed by a Special Address from HE Hatoyama Yukio, Former Prime Minister of Japan. In his remarks, Mr. Hatoyama noted the longstanding civilizational ties between Japan and India, underpinned by Buddhism and ethical exchange. He emphasized the shared values of fraternity, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi’s principles, and expressed optimism for enhanced educational partnerships between JGU and Japanese institutions.
Continuing the opening session, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar reaffirmed JGU’s enduring commitment to Japan and envisioned universities as pivotal bridges between the two nations. HE R Madhu Sudan, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, also addressed the gathering, supporting the forum’s role in strengthening academic ties within the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
The forum featured a Keynote Address by Professor (Dr.) Tomohiko Taniguchi, who previously served as Special Advisor to the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He discussed the strategic importance of the India–Japan relationship, focusing on the influence of knowledge, innovation, and higher education on the Indo-Pacific region’s future.
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Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, India, delivered a Distinguished Public Lecture, reflecting on the dynamic relationship between the two countries and the transformative role of higher education in fostering people-to-people connections and technological progress in Asia.
The session included the launch of the JGU Sustainability Report 2026 by Professor Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean of the Office of Academic Governance at JGU. Furthermore, a panel discussion moderated by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar brought together senior leaders from prestigious Japanese universities, including the University of Tokyo, International Christian University, and Waseda University, among others.
In addition, the forum celebrated nearly 200 JGU students who completed Short-Term Study Abroad Programmes (ST-SAPs) at partner universities in Japan. This ceremony was presented by Professor Hinaho Kishi and Ms. Ananya Lall, a student at JGU’s Business School.
Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar concluded by emphasizing the forum’s role in reinforcing JGU’s dedication to fostering Indo-Japanese academic collaborations through research, innovation, and student exchanges. He highlighted the responsibility of universities to merge technological advancements with humanistic values, ensuring that artificial intelligence promotes global cooperation and understanding.
Professor (Dr.) Akhil Bhardwaj, Executive Dean and Director of the Office of International Affairs and Global Initiatives at JGU, described the forum as part of a broader institutional effort to establish enduring partnerships and foster academic collaboration between Indian and Japanese universities. The event, along with JGU’s study abroad programs, represents a long-term commitment to strengthening the cultural and educational ties between the two nations.
The press release concluded by affirming that the future of the India–Japan relationship will be shaped not only by governmental and market forces but also by the universities and scholars who cultivate cross-cultural trust, generate new knowledge, and prepare future leaders.
