Japan-India Eminent Person's Group
Project Proposals

Introduction

The members of the Eminent Person's Group (EPG) of India and Japan have jointly identified a list of projects. These are projects which the group considered as desirable for enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The areas identified are exhaustive and cover all aspects of the bilateral relationship between Japan and India. It is the considered opinion of the EPG that the implementation of these projects is the responsibility of the concerned authorities and interest groups. It is the wish of all members that people in private and public sectors from both countries can work in cooperation with their respective governments to bring about the actualization of these projects.

1 Politics and Diplomacy

1.1 Policy Dialogue on Regular Basis

Institutionalization of a policy dialogue scheme on the question of stability in the entire Asian region, security of the sea lanes carrying oil and gas supplies for India and Japan, piracy and reform of the UN Security Council. The Committee members would come from different backgrounds and their deliberations and recommendations would assist the policy makers in Japan and India.

1.2 Terrorism

Establish a Joint Working Group to recommend action against international terrorism.

1.3 WTO

Establish dialogue on cooperation between Japan and India, identify areas where India and Japan have common interests or can support each other's interest at the new round of WTO negotiations.

1.4 UN Matters

Identify areas where Japan and India can find common benefits and work together on issues which are discussed at the United Nations in New York, both in the Security Council and in the General Assembly, including reform of the UN Security Council.

1.5. Who's Who:

Identify 50 powerful "Who is Who" members each from India and Japan and encourage them to interact with each other on a regular basis.

2 Economy

2.1 Infrastructure Development

2.1.1 Challenges in infrastructure development

The report of the committee on infrastructure development, presided over by Mr. Rakesh Mohan, a member of EPG, could be a starting point. In each identified area of mutual interest, we should have joint Indo-Japanese sub-committee, which should evolve comprehensive strategies for mutual cooperation.

2.1.2 Railway Reforms in India

In the context of discussions concerning Railway reforms in India, cooperation with Japanese Railways on specific aspects would be advantageous. Organization of joint seminar, workshop or symposium may be considered.

2.1.3 Civil Projects and Road construction

Japan is known for efficient road construction and civil projects construction technology. This includes both hard technology and soft technology. Projects in these areas will certainly afford great benefit in enhancing sustainable bilateral cooperation.

2.1.4 New Areas of collaboration

Potential areas of collaboration transportation where full attention is paid to safety by using IT; establishment of a safe and smooth new transportation system using IT (ITS: Intelligent Transportation Systems); employment creation by the fusion of the manufacturing industry and the IT industry; complement primary infrastructure such as roads, power and water, by a virtual IT may include: epoch-making progress of cutting discharged emissions; network; and innovative management skills.

2.1.5 Reform Process

Joint study of the reform process in Japan in road transport, banking and finance.

2.1.6 Study of Small Industries in Japan

Organization, role, linkage and financing.

2.1.7 Improved Air Access

Efforts should be made to improve air access between India and Japan.

2.2 Industry cooperation, Technology and Training:

2.2.1 Industrial standards

Bureau of Indian Standards could benefit from discussions with its counterpart institution in Japan. Regular exchange and interaction of experts could be considered.

2.2.2 Promotion of standardization of artisinal technologies

Institutional cooperation with Japan could be considered.

2.2.3 Sector to sector dialogue

In the past, the India-Japan business delegations have tended to be broad based, which covered major sectors from both countries. It is proposed that schemes where companies in the same sector discuss common issues with specific topics should be promoted and encouraged.

2.2.4 Improve communications with the help of consultants

Indians and Japanese often have no common ground for discussions at business dialogues. Consultants, Indian/Japanese who know both India and Japan well, can be hired to help better facilitate such exchanges. Organize seminars and workshops on India-Japan business communications.

2.2.5 Japanese teachers

Consider sending Japanese teachers to Indian companies (IT as well as other engineering companies) which are actively cooperating with, or doing business in Japan. Establishment of a Center where the visiting Japanese teachers would teach Japanese for interested Indian companies may be considered.

2.2.6 Visas

It is proposed that both countries may consider providing multiple entry visas to professional engineers who need to travel frequently between India and Japan.

2.2.7 Cooperation in Information Technology (IT)

2.2.7.1 Success stories

Collate and widely circulate at seminars and workshops, successful examples of India-Japan IT collaboration.

2.2.7.2 Media Laboratory

Japanese companies could consider investing in the media laboratory in India, which is being established with the assistance of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

2.2.7.3 E-clearance

Conduct a joint feasibility study for an e-clearance system, where all the export and import clearances between India and Japan can be made via Internet.

2.2.7.4 Distance Education

Joint Indo-Japanese effort to develop an Internet system in distance education, such as the Indira Gandhi National Open University. It will help India and Japan propagate the utility of IT for ordinary people.

2.2.7.5 Letter conversion Technology

Japan has standardized technology to type Japanese characters on a PC keyboard. India too has developed technology for Indian Language Keyboards. There could be beneficial collaboration in this area of IT technology.

2.2.7.6 Offshore Software Development

Evangelizing the offshore software development model. Invite Indian software companies to make 4 case studies on the benefits of OSDC to a select gathering of 100 CXO's (CEO's, CFO's, CIO's etc) of top 100 companies in Japan at Tokyo.

2.2.7.7 Center for embedded systems

We believe that it would be mutually beneficial for some hardware companies from Japan and some Indian software companies could to equity to form a center for advances in embedded systems in India.

2.2.7.8 Center for IT for the common man

The two Governments may want to consider funding a center for application of IT for the common man in India. We believe that this will encourage the development of innovative applications.

2.2.7.9 Double taxation

Based on the current Convention between the Government of Japan and the Government of India for the Avoidance of Double Taxation, the royalties and fees for technical services is subject to a withholding tax of 20%. As this raises the overall cost of doing business in Japan, it is proposed that that the convention for the avoidance of double taxation may be modified whereby all software services from India will be exempt of the 20 % withholding tax.

2.2.7.10 Wired village

This project aims at developing the agricultural sector by "wiring" Indian villages by computers and internet. Already, there is a success story on the pilot project initiated in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Japan could consider supporting these projects.

2.2.7.11India, Japan internet exhibition

Home page exhibition and contest for Indians and Japanese could be envisaged. Here selected homepages (in English) from India and Japan, could be exhibited, the contest could also include Computer Graphics.

2.2.7.12 Housing

To solve the difficulty which Indian IT engineers face in finding suitable furnished accommodation with kitchen in Japan, institutional support could be provided.

2.3 Industrial and Technical training

2.3.1 Skill development of the blue collar worker

Annual scholarship scheme for Indian artisans, skilled labor, technicians, wiremen etc in various mutually identified areas as well as civil work contractors maybe considered.

2.3.2 Japanese Language

Open chaired courses on Japanese language at premier engineering colleges in India. For example, the Association for Overseas Technical Scholarship (AOTS) in New Delhi is conducting Japanese language classes mainly to cater to engineers and engineering students who may wish to go to Japan for training or for employment, etc., and this model can be duplicated in other cities also.

2.4 Research

2.4.1 Research on the investment by sector

Conduct a joint research to analyze the pattern of foreign direct investment outflow from Japan to the rest of the world, as well as that of inflow into India from the rest of the world, in every sector from agriculture to Industry, including Information Technology sector. Conduct seminars and workshops.

2.4.2 Research on the Indian Economy by Japanese Researchers

Research institutes and universities in Japan could consider organizing seminars and workshops on the Indian economy. Japanese companies who operate in India might be interested in funding such seminars and workshops.

2.5 Internet business

2.5.1 Information on the latest Japanese High Tech products

A commercial website could be envisaged where information on the latest Japanese high-tech products could be made available. The homepage could be supported by advertisement fees, and be updated regularly.

2.5.2 E-commerce for Japan to import Indian products

Indian companies selling products such as spices and Ayurvedic medicines could consider introducing e-commerce to sell them in Japan.

3 Agriculture

3.1 Food processing and preservation

Joint collaborative efforts in the areas of grain, food and milk processing, their storage and packaging could be considered.

3.2 Export to third countries

India and Japan could jointly consider the export of super fine varieties of rice, wheat, fresh fruit and vegetable to third countries.

3.3 Technology upgradation

Sharing of knowledge with the aim of technology upgradation in the fields of seed production, processing, storage, testing, varietal research, joint patenting, exchange of germ plasma and export of seed to third countries may be considered.

3.4 Agricultural machinery

Due to the similarity in the size of land holding of the Indian and Japanese farmers, it would be mutually beneficial to explore the possibility of R&D, manufacturing and sale of agricultural machinery, tools, implements and lab equipment and apparatus by Japanese firms in India. Joint R&D in low cost tractors as well as exchange of engineers between India and Japan in this area is worth encouraging. Training programs and youth exchange programs for farmers may be a good way to increase people to people contact.

3.5 Collaboration

3.5.1 Research

Collaborative research in organic farming, integrated nutrient management and integrated pest management based on bio-controls may be considered to mutual benefit.

3.5.2 Collaboration in plant quarantine and sanitary and phytosanitary measures

may be considered.

3.5.3 Studies and joint efforts in biodiversity conservation,

ex-situ and in-situ may be considered

3.5.4 Setting up of Indo-Japanese joint ventures in sericulture, silk processing and weaving

could also be considered.

3.5.5 Collaboration in Bioscience

3.5.5.1 Exchanges between Japan - India Gene Banks

Promote more interactions between gene banks of both countries. Commemorating the 50th Anniversary, it is also proposed to conserve all the Japanese state flowers in the Indian gene bank.

3.5.5.2 Research Collaboration on Agriculture

Research collaboration should be actively promoted between India and Japan in such fields as the development of new variety development, agricultural management, biological science, and the environment.

3.5.5.3 Identify the Areas of Collaboration in Biological Science

An expert committee maybe constituted to compare the existing research and ongoing projects in every field of biological science in India, Japan, and the rest of the world. It will help researchers in India and Japan identify the areas of potential collaboration.

3.5.5.4 Research Collaboration on Bioinformatics

Promote collaboration in bioinformatics. India and Japan can also plan to set up a Center for Bioinformatics.

3.5.5.5 Joint Initiative to Protect Indian Plants from International Patents

India and Japan can work together to countermeasure against international patent concession for Indian plants. Such efforts will protect Indian plants, from which new medicines are potentially prepared domestically, from patent applications by western pharmaceutical corporations.

3.5.5.6 Cooperation on HLA Genes

Jointly research the HLA gene, which is shared by Indians and Japanese, as recently pointed out by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Of particular interest is that the HLA gene is found in Tamils, whose language is considered by some scholars to be the origin of Japanese language by some linguists.

3.6 Fisheries

It is proposed that Japanese and Indian companies should explore the possibilities of joint cooperation in the area of fisheries and aquaculture - inland as well as deep sea.

4 Environment

4.1 Clean Energy

Japan may consider sharing technology of non-conventional energy, such as solar, wind, and biomass powers, with India for rural development. Japan can also train local engineers who can maintain the facilities by themselves.

4.2 River Pollution management and repair of the coast line

Since environment is one of the priority areas for Japan, such projects as cleaning the polluted Holy Ganges River, reducing air pollution in both rural and urban areas, introducing Japan's technology on coastline protection from cyclones are proposed.

4.3 Environment education

Transfer Japan's knowledge and experiences in overcoming pollution problems to India through environment education.

4.4 Global warming

We should consider working in tandem with each other on this issue. Japan may consider having the Global Environment Facility (GEF), provide support to India. Create a joint proposal on carbon dioxide emission rights to be submitted to the international community.

4.5 Management of Natural Disasters

Exchange programs to learn and plan for management of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, fires, cyclones etc

5 Media

5.1 Exchange of Journalists

5.1.1 Institutionalize journalist exchanges

Expand the existing scheme, where the Foreign Press Center and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs invite Indian journalists to Japan for a short period and vice-versa. It is also useful to organize symposiums and workshops, where Indian and Japanese journalists are invited for presentations and discussion.

5.1.2 Collaboration between Japanese News Media and Indian Journalists

Most Japanese media companies have at best only one correspondent staff in India. Besides, few magazine publishing companies have staff in India. It would be advisable for them to hire more local journalists in India. In this scheme, Indian journalists can regularly write articles for Japanese on a contract basis.

5.2 Introducing India to Japan and vice-versa

5.2.1 TV dramas and movies

Indian and Japanese TV dramas and movies should be televised in each other's countries.

5.2.2 Translation of literature

Translate each other's literature to local language in India and Japan.

5.2.3 Institute of Writers and Artists

Establish an Institute in Japan for interaction between Indian and Japanese writers and artists.

5.3 Media Collaboration

5.3.1 Joint Production of a TV Program - "India - Heart of the Earth"

Joint production of a TV program, which introduces Japanese and Indian cultural heritages, towns, rural areas, and people. Live relay broadcasting will be attempted from the caves in Ajanta and Ellora, and from Rajasthan and Chennai.

5.3.2 Joint Production of Cinema

India and Japan can jointly produce feature films to promote cultural exchange.

5.3.3 Award for a Spiritual and Philosophical Achievement

Taking the opportunity of the 50th anniversary, India and Japan can establish an annual international award for those who have made a significant spiritual as well as philosophical achievement in the world.

5.3.4 Making Teleseries and films

on well-known Indian leaders associated with Japan.

6 Sister City Agreements

Increase the number of sister city agreements between India and Japan.

7 Medicine and healthcare

7.1 Standardization of hospitals

India could suggest projects, which could help set standards for standardization in hospitals, clinics dispensaries and their management across the country. Exchange programs for training of nurses, ward boys and paramedics.

7.2 Collaborative research and study of ethnobotany and ethnomedicine,

based on medicinal and aromatic plants.

8 Science, Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities

8.1 Japan's Experience in Industry-Academia Interaction

The experiences of the Industry-Academia interaction in Japan, which is of great interest to Indian people, will be introduced to India. A discussion will be held where professionals on industry-academia interaction talk of both the successes and failures of Japan.

8.2 Forum by the Industrial World, Engineers, and Economists

Invite people from the industrial world, engineers and economists of both countries and discuss common topics of their interest. The future object of this forum is that this will enable the establishment of R&D centers of Japanese corporations in India, and materialize a "India-Japan industry-academia interaction" by involving companies from both countries, and academics from universities.

8.3 India-Japan Lecture

Lectures should be given by a distinguished Japanese scholar at two places in India. Similarly, a distinguished Indian scholar should give lectures in two parts of Japan. Japan and India could host this event every other year. Domestic travel, and hotel costs will be borne by the host country, and the airfares will be borne by the home country. The lecture should be on topics that can be easily understood by the general public.

8.4 Traditional Medical Sciences

Ayurvedic medicine and constituents like neem found in medicinal herbs and tree bark used in traditional Indian medicine may play an important role in modern medicine. Exchanges in the field of traditional medicines, including classical Indian medicine and Japanese herbal medicine, are certainly expected to yield valuable results.

8.5 Study of Modernization and Democracy in Both Countries

Both Japan and India, which have shown excellent progress compared to other Asian countries, should conduct joint research on modernization and democracy.

8.6 Examination Committee for Scholarship Exchanges

India-Japan academic exchanges have taken place every now and then between universities and research centers. However, to avoid the hitherto ad-hoc basis of the funding, a committee should be established to discuss systematizing the continuous exchanges of scholars and students.

8.7 Compilation of Indian Vocabulary Dictionary

To assist in obtaining a mutual understanding of both Japanese and Indian business practices, a dictionary of Indian vocabulary translated to Japanese that includes explanations of any customs peculiar to India should by made with the help of Indians.

8.8 Joint Research Projects

Joint research can be conducted by scholars in a number of fields. Potential topics include: Buddhism, traditional medicines, rice culture, traditional music, etc.

8.9 Commendation of Scholars in Each of our two Countries'

Two Indian scholars who have made significant contributions in Japan studies were recently commended by the Japanese government. Taking the opportunity of the 50th anniversary, scholars from both countries who have done outstanding research for each other country can be commended, and a symposium will be organized.

8.10 Study of Relevant Textbooks

There is not much coverage on India and Japan in each other's textbook. A study of relevant textbooks of both countries will be recommended, with a view to increasing coverage for each other country.

8.11 Joint Research on the History of India - Japan Cultural Exchange

Gather academics and researchers from both countries to compile data on the history of Japan - India Cultural exchanges. The past data of the Indo- Japanese Association would help.

9 Education and Sports

9.1 Student Exchange Program

Introducing student exchange programs to Junior High and High Schools in India and Japan.

9.2 Home stay programs

Offer home-stay programs in both countries during the summer vacation, and establish exchange programs between high schools. Furthermore, not only student exchanges but also teacher exchanges could be promoted under the program.

9.3 Career Center and Job Fair for Indian Students in Japan

One of the factors behind the small number of Indian students in Japan is the relative lack of job opportunity. It would be useful to set up a career center, which helps Indians find jobs in Japan, and organize a job fair in Japan. It will also help Japanese companies who search for Indian IT engineers in Japan.

9.4 India-Japan Friendship School

India-Japan Friendship Schools should be established.

9.5 Sports Exchange

9.5.1 Cricket, Soccer, and Golf Games

Promote exchanges through sport such as having annual amateur cricket, soccer or golf tournaments. Invite well-known people, such as Indian movie actors/actress and former Miss Universe/Miss World etc. for a golf game in Japan, which will attract media attention.

9.5.2 Sumo and Kabbaddi

Organize a Japanese sumo tournament in India. This will broaden the views on Japanese sports culture among ordinary Indian citizens. If it is difficult to have a tournament, it is possible to send a couple of Japanese sumo wrestlers for a demonstration of sumo wrestling in India. It is also interesting to invite Kabbaddi teams to Japan in exchange.

10 People, Culture, Literature and Art

10.1 50th Year Anniversary

10.1.1 "India/Japan Fair"

Organize an "India Fair" in Tokyo and a "Japan Fair" in New Delhi.

10.1.2 Logo Mark and Sales Campaign

Prize contest for 50th anniversary logo mark. The logo mark will help Indian goods sell well in Japan in 2002, and make Japanese people aware of the 50th anniversary.

10.1.3 Commemoration Contests

Invite Indian college students to enter a prize contest, such as the India-Japan IT contests and the India-Japan business plan contest. This will help Indian students become interested in Japan.

10.1.4 Cultural Event Committees

Exchange suggestions between the committees for cultural events in the 50th anniversary of establishment of India - Japan diplomatic relations.

10.1.5 India-Japan Center in Delhi and Bangalore

Commemorating the 50th anniversary, establish India-Japan Centers in Bangalore and Delhi areas. The proposed Center should serve as a nodal point for: Japanese studies in India, study of India by Japanese; exchange of scholars, artists, architects, and journalists; projection of Japanese art, culture, both modern and traditional; and festivals and fairs.

10.1.6 Opening a India-Japan Center on the Web

Open a virtual India-Japan Center on the Web in cooperation providing information on both countries. This Center would be a hub covering all the cultural exchange data. In order to maintain the sustainability of the Center, it is important to pick up the interest of many users.

10.1.7 Interaction Between Indians and Japanese in India

Regular gatherings can be held among several Japanophile groups, such as the Indo-Japanese Association. Also, exchanges between these kinds of groups and similar ones in Japan are desirable. Regular seminars will be held by Japanese living in India.

10.1.8 Gene Pool/Plant Genetics

Joint Indo-Japan Project on Gene Pool/Plant Genetics between one appropriate University/research institution in each country should be set up.

10.1.9 "Meeting of the Minds"

A Conference-cum-Workshop on "Meeting of the Minds" among intellectuals, writers and dancers should be held.

10.1.10 Chair of Modern Indian Studies

A Chair of Modern Indian Studies should be set up in some universities in Japan.

10.1.11 Immunology

A co-operative project in Immunology should be established.

10.2. Traditional Culture

10.2.1 "Tea Road" - Darjeeling to Shizuoka

A Japanese journalist will follow the footsteps of Motokichi Tada, who brought tea from Darjeeling to Shizuoka, Japan, during the Meji period, and publish a series of articles in a newspaper. This will strengthen the India-Japan relations through tea.

10.2.2 Introduce Each Other's Textiles

Japanese designers could have fashion shows in India. Also, comparative exhibitions of Japanese and Indian dyeing techniques and textiles would attract the attention and interest of many people in both countries.

10.3 Popular Culture

10.3.1 Exchange Symbols of Friendship

As time has passed since the arrival of the first elephant in 1949, it is necessary to find something for exchange in 2002, so that we can awaken the latent awareness of Japanese children and stimulate the sort of interest that makes them want to travel and study in India, and vice versa.

10.3.2. Japan- India Exchanges by Animation

Targeting the younger generation, Japan and India can exchange cartoons with each other. Japan can also utilize their animation for literacy education in India. The Indian IT industry could work closely with the Japanese for this project.

10.3.3. Jazz and Western Classical Music Played by Japanese in India

Send several Japanese musicians who play Jazz or Western classical music to India. Invite two eminent conductors, Seiji Ozawa from Japan and Zubin Mehta from India, to a memorial concert.

11 Tourism

11.1 Tourism Promotion

Enlighten Japanese Tourism Companies. Only 79,000 Japanese visit India a year, most of who are business people and backpackers. In order to make the Japanese tourism companies more aware of India, a course teaching the opportunities in tourism to India for people in charge of those travel agencies should be held.

11.2 Tourism Promotion Committee

A tourism promotion committee, which includes Japanese who have resided in India as members, should be established. It will also discuss the issue of investment in infrastructure for tourists.

11.3 Visa Acquisition at the Airport

Allow Japanese tourists to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in India and vice versa. It will contribute to the increase in tourism on both sides.

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