New Delhi: India Japan workforce cooperation received fresh momentum after policymakers, industry leaders and workforce experts from both countries discussed long-term skilled mobility partnerships at a joint seminar in Tokyo.
The seminar took place on May 25 and was organised by the Embassy of India in Japan along with ASEAN ONE Co. Ltd. Labour and Employment Secretary Vandana Gurnani delivered the keynote address and highlighted India’s expanding role as a global skilled workforce provider.
She said India’s demographic strength, skilling ecosystem and institutional reforms positioned the country as a reliable source of skilled manpower for Japan and other global economies. She also stressed the need for transparent and ethical labour mobility systems.
Several senior Japanese leaders, policymakers and business representatives attended the event. The gathering included former Justice Minister Yamashita, State Minister of Economy and Trade Ino, State Minister of Education Nakamura, Japan Bank for International Cooperation Chairman Tadashi Maeda and Indian Ambassador to Japan Nagma Mohamed Mallick.
The seminar focused on strengthening cooperation in manufacturing, caregiving, construction, automobile maintenance, hospitality, agriculture, IT services and green economy sectors.
India Japan workforce cooperation focuses on skilling and language training
Vandana Gurnani said India had developed a strong workforce preparation system through Industrial Training Institutes, apprenticeship programmes, higher education institutions and digital skilling platforms.
She highlighted initiatives such as the eMigrate platform, National Career Service portal and Model Career Centres. She also called for stronger Japanese language training, skill mapping, testing infrastructure and institutional partnerships between India and Japan.
Participants discussed ways to improve demand visibility from Japanese employers and strengthen occupational alignment between both countries. Discussions also focused on expanding testing centres and building trusted recruitment pathways.
The seminar witnessed participation from nearly 250 representatives from major Japanese companies exploring opportunities to engage with India’s skilled workforce ecosystem.
Officials also highlighted Assam government’s Foreign Language Initiative for Global Talent programme, which prepares candidates for Japan-oriented workforce opportunities.
The event concluded with ASEAN GROUP Co. Ltd. Chairman and CEO Toshiaki Nishikawa expressing confidence in long-term India Japan workforce cooperation. He also proposed a Japan-India personnel exchange programme involving 50,000 people over the next 10 years.
