Sonipat, Nov 17 (NationPress) In a significant advancement for India-Japan academic collaboration and enhancing student mobility, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) revealed on Monday the initiation of five new Short-Term Study Abroad Programmes (ST-SAPs) with premier Japanese universities, set to take place in Summer 2026. This initiative represents one of the most substantial Japan-centric internationalisation efforts by an Indian university.

This launch signifies a remarkable achievement in JGU’s globalisation journey, showcasing a commitment to enhancing academic opportunities.

JGU is excited to present Five New ST-SAPs for Summer 2026, scheduled between 15 June and 3/4 July 2026. These programmes promise rigorous academic engagement, cultural immersion, and international learning experiences at five prestigious Japanese institutions.

1. The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
Theme: Japan in a Globalised World
Dates: 15 June – 3 July 2026

2. Chuo University, Tokyo
Theme: Global Japan: Understanding Law, Economics, and Society
Dates: 15 June – 3 July 2026

3. University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi
Theme: AI and Humanities: Applications in SDGs
Dates: 15 June – 4 July 2026

4. Kyorin University, Tokyo
Theme: Tradition Meets Tomorrow: Exploring Japan’s Heritage, Economy, and Society
Dates: 15 June – 3 July 2026

5. Musashi University, Tokyo
Theme: To be announced
Dates: 15 June – 3 July, 2026

These programmes underscore the intellectual richness of Japan’s academic landscape, offering unique insights into governance, technology, society, heritage, and sustainability, blending tradition with innovation. They also foster student mobility, faculty collaboration, and cross-border research.

Enhancing JGU’s Global Presence
Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor of JGU, emphasized the strategic significance of this expansion: “The introduction of our study abroad opportunities in Japan illustrates JGU’s enduring commitment to globalising Indian higher education and providing our students with meaningful global engagement. Japan is at the forefront of innovation, governance, culture, and sustainable development, and these programmes offer a remarkable opportunity for immersive learning. By establishing one of the largest India–Japan academic networks, JGU is playing a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations and preparing graduates to tackle modern challenges.”

The partnership between India and Japan has grown over the last decade, leading to enhanced cooperation across various sectors. This includes numerous engagements at the Prime Ministerial level (2014–2025), which have fueled unprecedented diplomatic momentum, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inaugural official visit in 2014, reinforcing collaboration in education, culture, technology, and global affairs.

During the G20 Osaka Summit in 2019, bilateral discussions further flourished, leading to the strengthening of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2020. In 2023, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida's visit to New Delhi expanded collaborations in digital partnerships, connectivity, and youth mobility.

In August 2025, PM Modi's attendance at the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit culminated in the signing of the Japan–India Joint Vision for the Next Decade, highlighting the importance of academic cooperation and student exchanges.

JGU’s Growing Academic Influence in Japan
This robust diplomatic groundwork has empowered Indian universities, particularly JGU, to enhance their academic and cultural ties with Japan. JGU has implemented a strategic, long-term approach to solidify its connections in Japanese higher education, through continuous interactions and institutional collaborations.

In the past two years, JGU has engaged in significant strategic activities, including senior-level delegations, partnerships with distinguished Japanese institutions, and the successful hosting of two editions of the India–Japan Higher Education Forum in Tokyo in 2024 and 2025.

Currently, JGU has established over 25 institutional partnerships in Japan, one of the most extensive Japan-focused university networks in India. These partnerships include the University of Tokyo, United Nations University, Chuo University, Doshisha University, University of Yamanashi, Ritsumeikan University, Osaka Gakuin University, Hiroshima University, and many others across various institutions.

The groundwork was laid by the inaugural ST-SAP with Temple University Japan (2025), with JGU dispatching a cohort of 40 students, the largest delegation from the university to Japan, marking a significant step towards increased cultural exposure, academic engagement, and student mobility.

To underline the academic governance aspect of this initiative, Professor Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean of Academic Governance, remarked: “The launch of these five new ST-SAPs in Japan reflects JGU’s academic maturity and global aspirations. These programmes have been meticulously crafted to uphold the highest academic standards while offering interdisciplinary exposure across technology, society, economy, and culture. This initiative enriches the university's academic ecosystem and reinforces our dedication to high-quality internationalisation, benefiting every student pursuing a globally informed education.”

Highlighting the significance of global engagement in JGU’s mission, Professor (Dr.) Akhil Bhardwaj, Vice Dean and Director of the Office of International Relations and Global Initiatives, stated: “These programmes signify a pivotal advancement in our long-term vision for global mobility and meaningful cross-cultural learning. Japan presents an exceptional intellectual environment, and our students stand to gain immensely from this exposure. At IAGI, we strive to design experiences that broaden horizons, deepen academic inquiry, and promote international understanding. The introduction of these five ST-SAPs solidifies JGU’s position as a truly global university.”