Both sides will also enhance cooperation in the field of submarine optical fiber cable system to the islands of India

India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through video conferencing to enhance cooperation in the field of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), including in the field of 5G and smart cities

The MoU was signed by Union Minister for Communications, Electronics, and Information and Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Japanese Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Takeda Ryota through video conferencing on Friday.

Both sides will enhance cooperation in the field of 5G technologies, telecom security, submarine optical fiber cable system to islands of India, spectrum management, smart cities, high altitude platform for broadband in unconnected areas, disaster management, and public safety.

In a statement, the Ministry of Communications revealed that during the meeting, it has been agreed that apart from Ministry level cooperation, Government of India organizations such as C-DOT and ITI Limited along with industry partners from Japan will also be part of this cooperation.

Speaking on this occasion the Union Minister for Communication, Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad highlighted the timely execution of connecting Andaman and Nicobar Islands with submarine optical fiber cable as a great example of cooperation between India and Japan.



He further shared the rapid adoption of innovative digital technologies by India during the COVID19 pandemic such as the AarogyaSetu app, the use of the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System for doorstep disbursement of cash by India Post, digital hearings in Courts of India, and rapid growth of digital payments.

Prasad highlighted that during COVID19, due to attractive policies like PLI and SPECS large amounts of investments have come to India in the field of electronics manufacturing. He urged the Japanese electronics industry to invest in India and avail of the benefits of the new technologies.

The Minister further highlighted the great potential India holds for Japanese investors in the field of 5G and 5G based services, Internet of Things, digital health technologies, etc.

India and Japan will be commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. The MoU is among the measures taken by the two countries to enhance bilateral cooperation towards the commemorative year.

Japanese Minister Takeda Ryota expressed happiness on the signing of the MoU between India and Japan and expressed the commitment of the Government of Japan towards cooperation and investments in India.