Signing of the Letter of Intent on Cooperation between Japan and India in Quantum Science and Technology
May 4, 2026
Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
Office for Science, Technology and Innovation
１．Overview
On May 4, 2026, Ms. Kimi Onoda, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy of the Cabinet Office, signed the “Letter of Intent between the Cabinet Office of Japan and the Department of Science and Technology of the Republic of India on Quantum Science, Technology, and Innovation” with Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology of India.
This Letter of Intent affirms the commitment of Japan and India to further strengthen cooperation in the field of quantum science and technology, and to advance collaboration across a wide range of areas, including research and development, industrial applications, commercialization, industrial collaboration, and human resource development.
２．Background and Purpose
Japan and India regard quantum science and technology as a key enabling technology for future industrial competitiveness and for addressing societal challenges, and both countries are promoting initiatives in research and development as well as practical applications and commercialization.
In Japan, international collaboration encompassing R&D, industry-academia partnerships, and human resource development is being promoted through the establishment of quantum technology innovation hubs and the organization of international symposia.
In India, under the “National Quantum Mission,” efforts are being advanced in an integrated manner, including research, human resource development, startup support, as well as demonstration and implementation, thereby strengthening India’s capabilities and ecosystem in the quantum field.
Building on the Japan–India Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement concluded in 1985, as well as the Japan–India Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation held in 2025, this Letter of Intent aims to further develop bilateral collaboration in the field of quantum technology.
By leveraging the respective strengths of both countries and deepening cooperation across a broad spectrum—from basic and applied research to industrialization, human resource development, and international collaboration—Japan and India aim to promote the practical application and commercialization of quantum technologies and strengthen industrial competitiveness.
３．Key Areas of Cooperation
Based on this Letter of Intent, Japan and India will promote cooperation, within the framework of their respective laws and policies and on a mutually acceptable basis, primarily in the following areas:
(1) Dialogue on Quantum Research and Innovation
Through research institutions and hubs in both countries, Japan and India will promote dialogue across a wide range of fields, from basic to applied research and innovation, and explore future opportunities for academic collaboration and joint research in areas such as quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing.
(2) Promotion of Industry-Academia Collaboration
Focusing on research activities and capacity development in the quantum field, cooperation among universities, research institutions, and, where appropriate, private-sector stakeholders will be encouraged, creating opportunities for joint research and collaboration.
(3) Human Resource Development and Exchange
Through the exchange of researchers and specialized personnel, both countries will promote human resource development and skills enhancement in the quantum field, aiming for the sustainable development of quantum ecosystems and talent bases in Japan and India.
These initiatives are expected to be carried out primarily by universities, research institutions, and related organizations in both countries, under the coordination between the Cabinet Office of Japan and the Ministry of Science and Technology of India.
４．Original Text of the Letter of Intent
- Letter of Intent between the Cabinet Office of Japan and the Department of Science and Technology of the Republic of India on Quantum Science, Technology, and Innovation (English)（PDF形式：88KB）
- Letter of Intent between the Cabinet Office of Japan and the Department of Science and Technology of the Republic of India on Quantum Science, Technology, and Innovation (Japanese provisional translation)（PDF形式：488KB）
５．Contact Information
Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
Office for Science, Technology and Innovation
Quantum and Materials Division
Tel: +81-3-6257-1153 (direct)