The role of JICA in India's economic developments

India-Japan relations are now considered as one of the most rapidly advancing partnerships in Asia. Even though the partnership has significantly diversed to become multidimensional, economic engagements between the two countries form the real bedrock of bilateral relations. In this context, the role of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been truly pivotal in driving the two nations to strengthen and deepen their relations.

JICA is one of the oldest funding agencies of the world. It is an official agency under the Japanese government to promote its diplomacy through peaceful means. JICA’s assistance to India has been very prominent in sectors like transport, communication, infrastructure (highways), health, agriculture and environment to mention only a few. India has been the biggest recipient of the Japanese economic assistance for several years.

The driving questions will include:

• Is India-Japan partnership driven predominantly by economic or strategic considerations?
• Is it prudent for a country of India’s importance to continue to depend on Japan’s economic assistance?

Speakers

Balatchandirane, Department of East Asian studies, University of Delhi

Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

K.V. Kesavan, Distinguished Fellow, ORF

Programme

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Registration

3:00 – 3:10 p.m. | Opening remarks | K.V. Kesavan

3:10 – 4:00 p.m. | Presentation | Katsuo Matsumoto

4:00 – 4:10 p.m. | Discussant | G. Balatchandirane

4:10 – 4:30 p.m. | Q&A

4:30 p.m. onwards | High tea