JICA Hosts Forth Edition of JICA Chair at O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat

Sonipat, 15 September 2025: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held the fourth JICA Chair lecture at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), Sonipat on September 15 continuing its mission to promote Japanese studies and foster academic exchange between Japan and India. This year’s lecture addressed the theme “In the Age of Uncertainty: the Role of Japan in the Indo-Pacific.”

The lecture was designed for students and faculty interested in international relations, East Asian studies, and global governance. Professor TAKAHARA Akio, Japan’s leading expert on contemporary Chinese politics and East Asian international relations, delivered the keynote lecture. Drawing from his extensive academic and diplomatic experience, Prof. TAKAHARA introduced Japan’s vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and emphasized the importance of human security and rule of law in shaping a stable regional order.

Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Mr. TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, stated, “The JICA Chair is a focused lecture series featuring Japanese scholars who share insights on politics, economics, and society. This edition, held at O.P. Jindal Global University, examined Japan’s role in the Indo-Pacific amid global uncertainty. Professor Akio Takahara discussed Japan’s strategic approach to regional stability, emphasizing rule of law and human security. JICA supports such academic platforms to facilitate knowledge-sharing and deepen India–Japan intellectual engagement.”

The JICA Chair Program at O.P. Jindal Global University commenced with a warm welcome extended to the dignitaries by Professor Sriparna Pathak from JGU. This was followed by opening remarks delivered by the Dean. Ambassador (Dr.) Abdul Fattah Ammourah, Vice Dean, Jindal School of International Affairs setting the tone for the event. Mr. Jiro Kodera, Economic Counsellor from the Embassy of Japan shared a message highlighting the importance of Japan-India academic collaboration, after which Mr. WAKAMATSU Eiji, Senior Representative of JICA India offered his remarks. The Vice Chancellor Professor C. Raj Kumar of JGU addressed the gathering with a special message, adding further significance to the occasion. The highlight of the program was the JICA Chair Lecture delivered by Professor TAKAHARA Akio, who provided deep insights into Japan’s development experience and regional diplomacy. The lecture was followed by an engaging Q&A session, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks by Professor Debendra Sahu of JGU, expressing gratitude to all participants and contributors.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from students and faculty at O.P. Jindal Global University, reflecting the growing interest in Japan-related studies and international cooperation. As one of India’s leading institutions for global education and policy research, JGU provided an ideal platform for the JICA Chair Lecture, which aimed to deepen understanding of Japan’s development experience and its relevance to contemporary global challenges. Through this initiative, JICA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening academic and cultural ties between India and Japan.

About O.P. Jindal Global University

O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) is a non-profit global university established in 2009. Recognized as an “Institution of Eminence” by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, JGU is ranked among the top universities in India and Asia. It is known for its interdisciplinary approach, international collaborations, and commitment to academic excellence. JGU houses several schools including the Jindal School of International Affairs, which actively engages in research and dialogue on global and regional issues. JGU has been at the forefront of India-Japan academic relations with partnership agreement with 23 Japanese universities.