The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) convened the India-Japan Stakeholder Consultation on Skill Development in New Delhi on August 14, 2026, bringing together representatives from multiple government ministries, state governments, Japanese government representatives, industry representatives, recruitment agents, and training partners to strengthen cooperation on skill development and workforce mobility between India and Japan.
The consultation focused on implementing the Action Plan for India-Japan Human Resource Exchange and Cooperation jointly released during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in 2025. Discussions centered on preparing Indian youth for employment opportunities in Japan through industry-relevant training, Japanese language and cultural preparation, recognized assessments, stronger employer engagement, and closer coordination among institutions in both countries.
Key participants included Shri Jayant Chaudhary (Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education), H.E. Mr. Ono Keiichi (Ambassador of Japan to India), Ms. Gina Uika (Joint Secretary, Emigration Policy & Welfare Division, MEA), Ms. Debashree Mukherjee (Secretary, MSDE), Shri Niranjan Kumar Sudhanshu (Additional Secretary, MSDE), and Shri Arun Kumar Pillai (CEO, National Skill Development Corporation). Japanese companies represented included Zenken Corporation, Sompo Care, Fourth Valley, Konoike Group, and Toyota Kirloskar.
The consultation featured three thematic sessions: the first examined skilling pathways under Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP), Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), and the upcoming Employment for Skill Development Programme (ESDP); the second focused on expanding Japanese language training, sector-specific curricula, and assessment access; the third facilitated direct dialogue between Japanese recruitment companies/employers and Indian stakeholders on occupational skills, language proficiency, and workplace readiness.
A key outcome was the decision to develop a comprehensive India-Japan Skills Roadmap under MSDE leadership to support Action Plan implementation and prepare for ESDP. The roadmap will provide clarity on ESDP pathway convergence with existing TITP and SSW pathways, integrating actions across candidate mobilization, technical training, Japanese language preparation, assessment systems, employer engagement, and pre-departure readiness.
The consultation identified implementation priorities including expanding Japanese language training, strengthening assessment infrastructure, improving awareness of verified pathways, enhancing coordination among states and institutions, and aligning training with Japanese employer requirements for skills and language proficiency. The roadmap will define short-, medium-, and long-term actions with clear responsibilities across ministries, state governments, implementing agencies, and industry, supported by measurable milestones and structured governance mechanisms.