India, Japan Boost Health Ties For Innovation And Better Outcomes

India and Japan on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the healthcare sector with a focus on strengthening health systems , improving accessibility and promoting innovation-driven healthcare outcomes .

The 3rd Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Healthcare was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi under the framework of the India–Japan Memorandum of Cooperation in Healthcare and Wellness , a structured mechanism guiding bilateral engagement in the sector. The meeting is part of the broader India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership .

The meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda and Japan’s Minister in charge of Healthcare Policy Kimi Onoda . Welcoming the Japanese delegation, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said India and Japan share a relationship built on mutual trust, respect and shared developmental goals , noting that the Joint Committee platform has enabled sustained dialogue and deeper cooperation over time.

Speaking at the meeting, Nadda said the partnership reflects a shared vision of accessible, affordable and quality healthcare for all , guided by India’s inclusive development approach of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” He highlighted that the collaboration aims to strengthen health systems while promoting innovation, research and capacity building in the health sector.

Japanese Minister Kimi Onoda reiterated Japan’s commitment to advancing cooperation through technology, innovation and research collaboration , stressing the importance of expanding joint efforts in emerging healthcare domains.

Both sides held detailed discussions on key priority areas. On Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) , India highlighted the growing disease burden and its structured response based on screening, continuum of care and preventive health strategies , while Japan shared its experience in cancer screening, early diagnosis and strengthening treatment systems through technical cooperation.

On supply chain resilience and medical access , India underlined the strength of its pharmaceutical and medical devices ecosystem , along with policy measures aimed at affordability and domestic manufacturing capacity. Japan highlighted its public–private partnership model designed to enhance resilient supply chains and ensure wider access to quality medical products.

In digital health , India showcased the progress of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) , building a secure, interoperable and citizen-centric digital public health infrastructure , while Japan shared advancements in AI-enabled healthcare systems, digital integration and research-led innovation .

On human resource development , both countries discussed strengthening cooperation through training programmes, joint research, personnel exchanges and mutual recognition of competencies , aimed at building a globally competitive healthcare workforce.

In his closing remarks, Nadda said the discussions have provided renewed momentum to India–Japan health cooperation and set a clear direction for strengthening resilient and inclusive health systems . Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership , expressing confidence that continued collaboration will deliver tangible health benefits for citizens of both countries .