India and Japan signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on cooperation in Quantum Science and Technology during a high-level bilateral meeting held in New Delhi on 6 May 2026. According to an official statement from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the LoI was signed between Japan’s Cabinet Office and India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), covering collaboration in quantum computing, secure communication systems, quantum sensing, and advanced materials research.
The meeting took place in the presence of Japan’s Minister for Science and Technology Policy and Minister of State for Space Policy, Kimi Onoda, and India’s Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh. Alongside the quantum LoI, the two sides also exchanged a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of health and medical devices between the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and DST.
According to the ministry, both sides discussed strengthening cooperation under India’s National Quantum Mission, which takes an integrated approach across quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials. The two countries also explored expanding researcher exchange programs, joint innovation platforms, and internship opportunities for industry professionals and young scientists.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India and Japan share a “natural synergy in science and technology,” noting that India’s national missions in quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems, clean energy, and advanced computing create new opportunities for joint research and co-development. Minister Onoda highlighted Japan’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and quantum technologies and expressed confidence in deeper bilateral collaboration.
The ministry said the engagement builds upon the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan in August 2025, during which both sides agreed to expand cooperation under the India-Japan Science, Technology and Innovation Partnership across sectors including industry and startups. Both countries also agreed to deepen engagement through institutional partnerships and industry linkages to strengthen their broader science and technology cooperation.