A delegation from Osaka, Japan, led by Vice Governor of Osaka Prefecture Yamaguchi Nobuhiko, visited Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi, and engaged in strategic discussions with the Government of India, led by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), along with other officials from MSDE, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
The discussions focused on strengthening economic and human resource collaborations between Osaka Prefecture and India in skill development to enhance global career opportunities for Indian youths. Both countries embrace a shared vision of fostering international mobility as a central pillar of their partnership. Their joint initiatives in skill development have been crucial in elevating the already strong relations between the two countries.
Under the India-Japan MoC signed in 2016, Japanese companies have established 35 Japan-India Institute of Manufacturing (JIM) across various States in India and 12 Japanese Endowed Courses (JEC) in Indian Engineering Colleges. India and Japan also cooperate under the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) to enable Indian candidates to work in different sectors in Japan. Their collective vision is rooted in the firm belief that a globally competent workforce is paramount in tackling the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities of the 21st century.
During the dialogue, Vice Governor Osaka shared their ongoing initiatives and welcomed Indian talent to explore emerging opportunities, including at the Expo 2025 to be held in Osaka. Nobuhiko Yamaguchi, Vice Governor of Osaka Prefectural Government, said:
Osaka aims to expand economic and human resource exchange with India, leveraging our central location and thriving business environment. We are eager to welcome more skilled people from India to Osaka for various opportunities. Our city hosts professionals from multiple sectors, including healthcare, and we see great potential for increased collaboration. We invite Indian students and professionals to take advantage of Osaka’s affordable living and supportive community. This visit will strengthen our industrial, business, and cultural connections, fostering mutual growth and understanding.
In January 2018, NSDC was appointed to monitor the TITP programme and to support Sending Organizations. Since then, the Sending Organizations have been focusing on creating a quality pool of candidates to train them in technical skills, Japanese language, and lifestyle orientation as per the requirements of Japanese Supervising Organizations. The Vice Governor had a fruitful interaction with the Sending Organizations and took insights into their key challenges. He highlighted Osaka’s facilities and infrastructural advantages and promptly addressed all queries of the Sending Organizations.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, stated:
India-Japan bilateral partnerships, especially in skill development, hold immense promise. The World Expo 2025 will bring significant employment opportunities to Osaka. We are delighted to hear that Osaka is committed to facilitating a seamless exchange of resources between our nations. This collaboration will open doors for countless skilled professionals. We are dedicated to promoting ethical migration, which will, in turn, foster stronger diplomatic relations. Together, we can achieve mutual growth and prosperity.
Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International, also added:
Our countries share more than business ties; our people-to-people connections can bridge cultures and foster mutual growth. Together, we can build centres of excellence in India where Indian youth can embrace Japanese work culture. Through this forum, we are committed to developing the infrastructure to train Indian youth in Japan. Imagine a future where Indian handcrafted engines were made in Japan.
Secretary MSDE concluded the discussions and assured India of its commitment to facilitating safe, ethical migration that will benefit both nations.
The event was attended by key dignitaries including Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE; Sonal Mishra, Joint Secretary, MSDE; Prof. Ashok Kumar Chawla, Advisor (Japan), MEA; Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO NSDC and Managing Director, NSDC International; MAEDA Shinichi, Executive Director, Growth Industry Promotion Office, Department of Commerce, Industry and Labor, Osaka Prefectural Government; SAWADA Miyuki, among others.
NSDC was established to catalyze the skilling ecosystem for private sector participation and be the strategic implementation and knowledge partner of the Skill India Mission, which aims to build efficient vocational training initiatives that empower India’s youth.
