Jindal Global University Hosts India–Japan Higher Education Forum 2026 in Tokyo

O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) convened the 3rd India–Japan Higher Education Forum 2026 in Tokyo, bringing together university leaders, policymakers, diplomats, researchers, and students from both countries to discuss the future of higher education in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and global collaboration. Held under the theme "Shaping Universities of the Future in the Era of Human and Artificial Intelligence," the forum served as a platform for dialogue on academic partnerships, research collaboration, student mobility, sustainability, and education diplomacy, while reinforcing the growing strategic relationship between India and Japan.

Strengthening India–Japan Academic Partnerships

The forum highlighted the expanding role of higher education in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Japan. Bringing together representatives from universities, governments, and diplomatic missions, the event focused on how academic institutions can deepen collaboration through research partnerships, faculty exchanges, innovation, and international student mobility.

The gathering reflects JGU's continuing efforts to strengthen engagement with Japanese universities while supporting broader educational cooperation under the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Highlights Shared Values

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama delivered the forum's special address, emphasising the longstanding cultural and civilisational relationship between India and Japan.

Drawing connections between the Japanese philosophy of Yu-ai (fraternity) and Mahatma Gandhi's principles of Ahimsa and Sarvodaya, he spoke about the importance of promoting peace, human dignity, and mutual understanding through education and international cooperation. He also expressed optimism about expanding academic exchanges between JGU and Japanese institutions to further strengthen bilateral collaboration.

Higher Education's Role in the Indo-Pacific

The event was inaugurated by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, who reaffirmed the university's commitment to building long-term academic partnerships with leading universities in Japan.

Addressing the gathering, R. Madhu Sudan, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, described the forum as an important contribution to strengthening educational and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor (Dr.) Tomohiko Taniguchi, former Special Advisor to the Cabinet of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. His address explored the growing importance of higher education, innovation, and knowledge partnerships in shaping cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.

AI and Human Values Take Centre Stage

One of the forum's central themes was the growing influence of artificial intelligence on higher education and society.

Discussions explored how universities can integrate AI into teaching, research, and innovation while ensuring technological advancements remain guided by ethics, human values, and public responsibility.

Speaking during the forum, Professor Raj Kumar emphasised that universities must ensure artificial intelligence complements human intelligence rather than replacing it, with higher education institutions playing a critical role in promoting responsible and ethical AI development.

Universities Discuss the Future of Global Higher Education

The forum featured a high-level panel discussion involving senior academic leaders from several leading Japanese institutions, including the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, Sophia University, International Christian University, Musashi University, Temple University Japan Campus, and the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.

The discussions focused on key issues shaping higher education worldwide, including internationalisation, cross-border research collaboration, student mobility, digital transformation, and the future role of universities in addressing global challenges.

Participants also examined how institutions can strengthen international partnerships while preparing graduates with the skills required in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world.

JGU Launches Sustainability Report 2026

During the event, O.P. Jindal Global University officially launched its Sustainability Report 2026, highlighting the institution's ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, sustainable campus development, and the integration of sustainability principles across teaching, research, and institutional governance.

The report reflects the growing importance universities place on contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while preparing students to address global environmental and societal challenges.

Celebrating Student Mobility Between India and Japan

As part of the forum, JGU also organised a certificate distribution ceremony recognising nearly 200 students who completed short-term study abroad programmes at partner universities across Japan during the Summer 2026 academic session.

The ceremony highlighted the importance of international student mobility in strengthening intercultural understanding, expanding academic experiences, and fostering long-term educational partnerships between institutions in both countries.

University leaders noted that exchange programmes remain one of the most effective ways to deepen educational cooperation while preparing students for global careers.

Why This Matters for Global Higher Education

As universities increasingly collaborate across borders to address global challenges, forums such as the India–Japan Higher Education Forum demonstrate the growing role of international partnerships in shaping the future of higher education.

Beyond research collaboration, discussions around artificial intelligence, sustainability, innovation, and student mobility reflect broader priorities that are transforming universities worldwide. Strengthening academic cooperation between India and Japan not only supports knowledge exchange but also contributes to building globally connected institutions capable of addressing complex social, technological, and environmental challenges.

Editor's Note

International higher education partnerships have become increasingly important as universities respond to rapid technological change, geopolitical shifts, and evolving workforce demands. The 3rd India–Japan Higher Education Forum illustrates how academic diplomacy can strengthen collaboration beyond traditional research partnerships by encouraging dialogue on artificial intelligence, sustainability, student mobility, and responsible innovation.

As universities prepare students for a future shaped by both human intelligence and AI, platforms that promote cross-border cooperation are likely to play an increasingly important role in advancing global knowledge, innovation, and educational excellence.

FAQs

1. What is the India–Japan Higher Education Forum?

It is an international forum that brings together university leaders, policymakers, researchers, and students from India and Japan to discuss higher education, research, innovation, and academic collaboration.

2. Where was the 2026 forum held?

The third edition of the India–Japan Higher Education Forum was held in Tokyo, Japan.

3. What was the theme of the forum?

The 2026 forum was organised under the theme "Shaping Universities of the Future in the Era of Human and Artificial Intelligence."

4. What topics were discussed?

Discussions focused on artificial intelligence, sustainability, internationalisation, academic mobility, research collaboration, education diplomacy, and the future of universities.

5. Why is the forum significant?

The event strengthens academic cooperation between India and Japan while encouraging universities to collaborate on research, innovation, student exchanges, and responsible AI in higher education.