Founding Vice-Chancellor, OP Jindal Global University (JGU), Prof (Dr) C Raj Kumar recently addressed members of the Japanese Parliament, the National Diet of Japan, during a policy dialogue aimed at strengthening India-Japan strategic cooperation.
The event was hosted by the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation, and was themed: 'India and Japan: Partners in Democracy, Drivers of Innovation, and Architects of a Sustainable Future.'
In his address to the Japanese Parliamentarians, Prof (Dr) C Raj Kumar underscored the growing significance of inter-parliamentary dialogue and academic partnerships in tackling shared global challenges.
“We are witnessing a historic moment where universities and parliaments must work together to shape the future of democracy and development. India and Japan can lead the way—not only through economic cooperation, but by investing in people, knowledge, and institutions that advance peace, justice, and sustainability," he observed.
Prof Kumar added that JGU’s presence in Japan’s Parliament is a symbol of the power of education to bridge cultures and build alliances.
"We believe that meaningful diplomacy must also be academic, intellectual, and people centric," he said.
Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Dr Abhishek M Singhvi, spoke about the shared democratic values of India and Japan and their potential to influence the global discourse. Dr Singhvi called for deeper collaboration between India and Japan in areas such as technology, education, climate resilience, and global governance, while stressing the need for a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable Indo-Pacific vision.
“India and Japan are not just allies of circumstance—we are civilizational partners in democracy, innovation, and global responsibility. As two of Asia’s strongest democracies, our task is to jointly lead by example—through pluralism, through peace, and through principled partnerships for the planet," he remarked.
The event brought together more than thirty-five senior members of the Japanese legislature and government officials.
Former President of the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation, Seishiro Eto (Acting President in the absence of Chairman Fukushiro Nukaga), inaugurated the dialogue and extended a warm welcome to the Indian guests.
Ambassador of India to Japan, Sibi George, was invited to the interaction and conveyed his deep appreciation to the members of the Japanese Parliament, the Government of Japan, and the Indian delegation from OP Jindal Global University led by Prof (Dr) C Raj Kumar for advancing meaningful bilateral cooperation in higher education and research.
Director-General of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Asia Department, Shingo Miyamoto, expressed his optimism for the fast-growing relations between Japan and India across multiple domains, particularly in the sphere of higher education and institutional collaboration.
Member, House of Councillors, and Professor, Sophia University, Kuniko Inoguchi, warmly welcomed the Indian delegation. She highlighted her longstanding engagement with India and expressed her enthusiasm for seeing a greater presence of Indian students and Indian knowledge traditions in Japan.
Parliamentary expert and former UN official, Dr Sukehiro Hasegawa, welcomed stronger India–Japan exchanges, adding that “Japan needs Indian creativity and imagination to invigorate its global policies, and for the two countries to become strong global leaders together.”
The event saw participation from a broad spectrum of Japanese political parties and parliamentary experts, underscoring the deep, cross-party interest in strengthening Indo- Japanese ties.
This parliamentary engagement marked Prof (Dr) C Raj Kumar’s second consecutive address at the National Diet of Japan, following his 2024 lecture on “The Role of India and Japan in Global Governance.”
His return this year reaffirms OP Jindal Global University’s steadfast commitment to academic diplomacy and its growing leadership in strengthening India–Japan relations through education.
The interaction at the National Diet was testament to the shared democratic values, strategic convergence, and mutual aspirations of India and Japan. It highlighted the indispensable role of education, research, and intellectual exchange in crafting a resilient, innovative, and peaceful future for both nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
< Sponsored by the Brand >