India and Japan Sign Quantum and Health Agreements

India and Japan exchanged agreements on quantum science, medical devices, and health research during bilateral meetings held in New Delhi on 5 and 6 May 2026. The agreements included a Letter of Intent on Quantum Science and Technology between Japan’s Cabinet Office and India’s Department of Science and Technology, and a Memorandum of Cooperation among the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and the Department of Science and Technology.

Quantum Science and Technology Cooperation

Quantum science studies matter and energy at the atomic and sub-atomic scale, and quantum technology includes quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum materials. India’s Department of Science and Technology is the nodal ministry for scientific research policy, and Japan’s Cabinet Office coordinates national policy matters, including science and technology initiatives.

Health Research and Medical Devices

The Memorandum of Cooperation covers health and medical devices, which are regulated under medical research and public health frameworks in both countries. The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development is a national funding agency for biomedical research, while the Indian Council of Medical Research is India’s apex body for biomedical research.

India-Japan Science and Technology Partnership

India and Japan have a bilateral science, technology and innovation partnership that covers frontier technologies, researcher mobility, joint innovation platforms, and industry internships. The discussions in New Delhi also referred to cooperation under the India-Japan Science, Technology and Innovation Partnership, which both countries expanded after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan in August 2025.

Healthcare Cooperation Framework

The third Joint Committee Meeting on Healthcare between India and Japan was held in New Delhi on 5 May 2026. The meeting covered resilient medical supply chains, digital health, medical innovation, and workforce development.

Important Facts for Exams

• Quantum science is a branch of physics that deals with phenomena at the scale of atoms, electrons, and photons.
• The Indian Council of Medical Research was established in 1911 and functions under the Department of Health Research.
• The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development was established in 2015 to support medical and life science research in Japan.
• India and Japan are members of the G20 and cooperate in science, technology, health, and strategic affairs.

Japan’s Minister for Science and Technology Policy and Minister of State for Space Policy, Kimi Onoda, met Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on 6 May 2026. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda co-chaired the healthcare meeting with Kimi Onoda on 5 May 2026.