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On July 6, 2026, the Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (IDE-JETRO) co-hosted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony and workshop with the Development and Knowledge Sharing Initiative (DAKSHIN), Global South Centre of Excellence of India (*1). Through this partnership, the two institutions are expected to expand research collaboration not only between Japan and India but also more broadly on social, economic, and other issues relating to countries across the Global South by leveraging their respective research networks.

(1) MoU Signing Ceremony

President KIMURA Fukunari stated that the signing of the MoU would contribute to strengthening cooperation between Japan and India. He emphasized that, as the presence and influence of Global South countries continue to grow in the international community, networks among research institutions that transcend national borders are becoming increasingly important, and India is a particularly significant research partner in this regard.

Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma, Director General of both RIS (*2) and DAKSHIN, noted that RIS and IDE-JETRO have maintained a close cooperative relationship for many years and expressed his expectation that the partnership would develop further through the signing of the MoU. He also welcomed IDE-JETRO's participation in the international research network promoted by DAKSHIN.

（*1 DAKSHIN (Development and Knowledge Sharing Initiative, Global South Centre of Excellence) was established in 2023 at the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to accelerate social and economic development in the Global South, promote the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and advance localization efforts.）

（*2 RIS (Research and Information System for Developing Countries) is a policy research think tank under the Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of India, with a focus on international economic and development cooperation issues. RIS and IDE-JETRO signed an MoU on research cooperation in 2017 and have collaborated closely since then. DAKSHIN is an institution under RIS.）

(2) Joint Workshop

In his opening remarks, Executive Vice President IMAIZUMI Shinya reflected on the longstanding cooperative relationship between RIS and IDE-JETRO and stressed that the common areas of interest shared by DAKSHIN and IDE-JETRO would provide an important foundation for future collaboration. He also expressed his expectation that the workshop would help identify concrete opportunities for research cooperation and serve as an investment in building a long-term partnership.

Professor Sharma then noted that, amid a changing international environment, the recent visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to India demonstrates the commitment of both countries to strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized that RIS seeks to bridge the gap between knowledge and policymaking and that collaboration with IDE-JETRO is particularly important in creating a platform that brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

Researchers from DAKSHIN and RIS subsequently delivered presentations on DAKSHIN's objectives and future direction, as well as their research on FinTech and development, critical minerals and economic security, and supply chains in Global South countries. They also discussed potential areas for collaboration with IDE-JETRO.

Researchers from IDE-JETRO then introduced the Geographical Simulation Model (IDE-GSM), recent developments in Global Value Chain (GVC) research, and efforts to build an international research network aimed at establishing new Global South Studies under the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Core-to-Core Program.

The workshop concluded with constructive discussions on future avenues for collaboration between the two organizations, followed by closing remarks from President KIMURA.

Related Link

• IDE-JETRO Overseas Network