India and Japan discussed expanding long-term workforce mobility cooperation at a joint seminar held in Tokyo on May 25. Organised by the Embassy of India in Japan and Asean Group , a diversified multinational organization headquartered in Japan ,the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders and workforce stakeholders from both countries.
Ms. Vandana Gurnani, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, highlighted India’s growing role as a trusted global workforce partner and stressed the need for transparent, ethical and scalable labour mobility pathways. She said India’s demographic strength, skilling ecosystem and institutional reforms make it a reliable source of skilled manpower for countries like Japan.
The seminar saw participation from senior Japanese leaders, including former Justice Minister Mr. Yamashita, State Minister of Economy Mr. Ino, and State Minister of Education Mr. Nakamura, along with India’s Ambassador to Japan, Ms. Nagma Mohamed Mallick.
Discussions focused on cooperation in sectors such as manufacturing, caregiving, construction, hospitality, agriculture, IT and green economy services. Secretary Gurnani also emphasised strengthening Japanese language training, sector-specific skilling, ethical recruitment practices and institutional collaboration between the two countries.
Around 250 representatives from leading Japanese companies attended the seminar. The Assam Government’s FLIGHT initiative was also highlighted for preparing candidates for global workforce opportunities, especially Japan-oriented pathways.
The event concluded with ASEAN GROUP Co. Ltd. Chairman & CEO Mr. Toshiaki Nishikawa expressing optimism about a future Japan–India personnel exchange programme involving 50,000 people over the next decade.
