New Delhi: A historic Letter of Intent (LoI) has been signed by 22 institutions across Northeast India to establish the Northeast India–Japan International Academic and Research Consortium.
The participating institutions include eight National Institutes of Technology, two Indian Institutes of Information Technology, NERIST, AIIMS Guwahati, NERIWALM, Tezpur University, Gauhati University, Cotton University, and Assam Engineering College.
Japan has identified Northeast India as a strategic priority since 2022 under the MEXT Inter-University Exchange Project. The consortium aims to facilitate 5,000 student exchanges in each direction over the next five years, promoting academic and cultural collaboration between the regions, IIT Guwahati said in a post on X.
The initiative will also serve as a gateway for multilateral collaboration in science, technology, and medicine, allowing researchers, engineers, medical professionals, and policymakers to work together on joint projects.
According to Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, “This marks a new beginning, as institutions across states unite to form a unique consortium that brings together engineers, medical professionals, scientists, and policymakers.”
IIT Guwahati will act as the nodal institution in India, coordinating activities within the country, while Gifu University will serve as the coordinating partner from Japan. The LoI was signed during the Japan–NER Academia-Industry Cooperation Symposium 2026, jointly organized by IIT Guwahati and Gifu University.
This landmark collaboration is expected to significantly strengthen academic ties, research exchange, and innovation between Northeast India and Japan, creating new opportunities for students and researchers in both regions.
