Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India and Mr. Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, agreed on a joint effort of India and Japan to work in AI technologies, startup programmes and robotics. A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was signed between the two countries to boost initiatives such as Digital India, Smart City, Startup India, Japan’s Society 5.0 and promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of things (IoT) technologies in the country. The India-Japan digital partnership has been inked between the ministries of information technology, economy and trade and industry. The declaration of this joint association will proved to be advantageous for both nations as their strengths in the digital field will mutually complement each other.
Artificial Intelligence
A statement of intent signed between the National Institute of Transforming India (NITI Aayog) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy and the Trade and Industry (METI) proposes to encourage and co-develop AI technologies. IIT-Hyderabad and Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology will be working together on AI technology and conduct a joint research on robotics.
Technology hub
The two nations have decided to set up a technology hub in Bengaluru to expand their startup talent. This centre will facilitate business ventures of Japan to foray into India’s market by building a connection with companies and required talent. India had earlier signed a pact for robotics and AI in the defence sector with Japan.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Acquisition, Technology and Logistical Agency (ATLA) of Japan will be working on a slew of joint projects in the areas of Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and Robotics.