Itanagar, February 7: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday met a delegation from Japan’s Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), led by Programme Officer Atsushi Tsujimoto, along with a group of Japanese students, to discuss opportunities for strengthening academic cooperation, youth engagement, and cross-cultural exchanges between India and Japan.
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| Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu with a delegation from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan. (Image: x.com/PemaKhanduBJP) |
The meeting focused on a range of issues aimed at fostering greater collaboration in the fields of education, peace studies, sustainability, and cultural understanding. Both sides exchanged views on the importance of building stronger people-to-people connections and creating platforms for meaningful interaction among young people from the two countries.
Chief Minister Khandu welcomed the delegation and highlighted the significance of international partnerships in promoting mutual learning and long-term cooperation. He noted that interactions involving students and academic institutions play a crucial role in broadening perspectives, encouraging innovation, and nurturing future leaders who can contribute to peace and sustainable development.
During the discussions, Khandu emphasized Arunachal Pradesh’s growing interest in strengthening ties with international academic and research institutions. He said the state is keen to explore opportunities that can benefit students, scholars, and young professionals through exchange programmes, collaborative research, and educational initiatives.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that such engagements contribute to deeper understanding between different cultures and societies while promoting dialogue on important global issues such as peacebuilding, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development.
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Members of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation delegation expressed their appreciation for the warm reception and shared their interest in expanding academic and youth-oriented collaborations. The presence of Japanese students added a valuable dimension to the interaction, providing an opportunity for direct cultural exchange and dialogue.
The meeting reflected the growing scope of India–Japan relations, which have expanded beyond economic and strategic cooperation to include education, cultural exchange, and people-centric initiatives. Officials said the visit by the SPF delegation represents another positive step towards strengthening bilateral ties and fostering greater collaboration in areas of shared interest, particularly among the younger generation.
The interaction concluded with a shared commitment to exploring future avenues of cooperation that promote friendship, learning, and sustainable development between India and Japan.
