JGU expands India-Japan academic ties with five new study programmes

Sonipat, Nov 17: O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has significantly strengthened India-Japan academic collaboration by introducing five new Short-Term Study Abroad Programmes (ST-SAPs) at prestigious Japanese universities for Summer 2026, marking a pivotal enhancement in student mobility between the two nations.

This initiative stands as one of the most comprehensive Japan-focused international education endeavors by any Indian institution, representing a major advancement in JGU’s global engagement strategy.

Scheduled from 15 June to 3/4 July 2026, these five new ST-SAPs will provide students with intensive academic training, cultural immersion, and international learning experiences at Japan’s leading universities.

1. The University of Tokyo, Tokyo

Theme: Japan in a Globalised World

Dates: 15 June – 3 July 2026

2. Chuo University, Tokyo

Theme: Global Japan: Understanding Law, Economics, and Society

Dates: 15 June – 3 July 2026

3. University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi

Theme: AI and Humanities: Applications in SDGs

Dates: 15 June – 4 July 2026

4. Kyorin University, Tokyo

Theme: Tradition Meets Tomorrow: Exploring Japan’s Heritage, Economy, and Society

Dates: 15 June – 3 July 2026

5. Musashi University, Tokyo

Theme: To be announced

Dates: 15 June – 3 July, 2026

These programmes showcase Japan’s diverse academic strengths, offering unique opportunities to study governance, technology, society, cultural heritage, and sustainability while experiencing Japan’s distinctive fusion of traditional values and modern innovation. The initiative also facilitates greater student exchange, faculty cooperation, and international research collaboration.

Strengthening JGU’s Internationalisation Footprint

Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor of JGU, emphasized the strategic importance: “Our expanded Japan programmes demonstrate JGU’s commitment to globalizing Indian higher education and creating meaningful international opportunities. Japan excels in innovation, governance, culture, and sustainable development, making these immersive programmes invaluable for our students. By building one of India’s most extensive academic networks with Japan, JGU is fostering bilateral relations while preparing globally competent graduates capable of addressing complex global challenges.”

India-Japan relations have flourished over the past decade, with strengthened cooperation across multiple sectors. This includes numerous high-level diplomatic engagements (2014–2025) that have created unprecedented momentum, beginning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2014 visit that established cooperation in education, culture, technology, and global affairs.

The relationship deepened during the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit, with the Special Strategic and Global Partnership strengthening in 2020. Japanese PM Fumio Kishida’s 2023 New Delhi visit further expanded collaboration in digital partnerships, connectivity, and youth exchanges.

Most recently, PM Modi’s August 2025 visit for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit resulted in the Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade, which prioritizes academic cooperation and student mobility.

JGU’s Expanding Academic Presence in Japan

This diplomatic foundation has enabled Indian universities, particularly JGU, to significantly deepen academic ties with Japan through sustained engagement with university leaders and institutional partnerships.

Over the past two years, JGU has pursued strategic initiatives including senior delegations, partnerships with leading Japanese institutions, and hosting two editions of the India-Japan Higher Education Forum in Tokyo (2024 and 2025).

JGU now boasts over 25 institutional partnerships in Japan—one of India’s most extensive Japan-focused university networks—including the University of Tokyo, United Nations University, Chuo University, Doshisha University, University of Yamanashi, Ritsumeikan University, Osaka Gakuin University, and Hiroshima University among others.

The foundation was laid by JGU’s inaugural ST-SAP with Temple University Japan (2025), which sent a 40-student cohort—the university’s largest-ever delegation to Japan—marking a significant step in cultural exchange and academic collaboration.

Professor Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean of Academic Governance, noted: “These five new Japan ST-SAPs reflect JGU’s academic maturity and global aspirations. Carefully designed to maintain rigorous standards while offering interdisciplinary exposure across technology, society, economy, and culture, this initiative enhances our academic ecosystem and reinforces our commitment to structured, high-quality international education.”

Professor (Dr.) Akhil Bhardwaj, Vice Dean and Director of the Office of International Relations and Global Initiatives, added: “These programmes advance our vision for global mobility and cross-cultural learning. Japan’s exceptional academic environment will greatly benefit our students. We’re committed to designing experiences that broaden perspectives, deepen inquiry, and foster international understanding, reinforcing JGU’s status as a truly global university.”

–IANS