Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati welcomed the Japanese delegation headed by the Hon'ble Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, His Excellency Fukushiro Nukaga. The visiting delegation consisted of four Members of Parliament, the erstwhile Japanese Ambassador to India, high-ranking officials of the Government of Japan, and officials from the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi. Additionally, 22 delegates from different Japanese industries were also present on the visit.
Dr. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati received the delegation and gave an overview of the institute's vision, international collaborations, achievements, and its endeavor towards scientific and technological research.
Speaking at the time in his speech Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, stated, "We hold great regard for Japan's long history of friendship and its proactive stance towards cooperation. IIT Guwahati is eager to cooperate with our Japanese partners in addressing the issues of the world through common knowledge, innovation, and respect for each other."
Referring to the event in his speech His Excellency Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga spoke of India and Japan having deep democratic roots and common developmental aspirations. He emphasized the need for cooperation in new technologies, human resource development, and the realization of sustainable development. Mr. Nukaga also pointed to the crucial position both countries have as leaders of innovation and democracy in the Eastern world. He appealed for enhanced cooperation through research, education, cultural exchange, and innovation-driven collaboration.
After the meeting, the delegation also toured major research centers at IIT Guwahati. At the Centre for Nanotechnology, delegates had a tour of the cutting-edge cleanroom lab facility, including the one in development at the new Tata Semiconductor plant in Assam, where IIT Guwahati is actively providing support. Delegates also looked at a few indigenous research breakthroughs and active projects in nanotechnology.
The delegation also toured the Technology Incubation Centre and Research Park, where they were made familiar with cutting-edge work in Artificial Intelligence and healthcare technologies. Start-ups incubated at the institute exhibited a variety of medical and eco-friendly devices, some of which were offered as mementos to the Hon'ble Speaker.
The program included one-to-one interactions among Japanese delegates, Government of Assam representatives, and IIT Guwahati officials. Such interactions aimed to enhance existing cooperations and direct future endeavors along the lines of doubling Indo-Japan student and research exchanges up to 50,000 in line with Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Hon'ble Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Shigeru Ishiba's vision.
