Establishment of "India Unit" within the Institute for International Strategy

The Japan Research Institute, Limited (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Jun Uchikawa; hereinafter "JRI") announced the establishment of the "India Unit" (hereinafter "the Unit") within the Institute for International Strategy (hereinafter "the Institute"), effective April 1, 2026.

■Background and Purpose of the Unit's Establishment
In recent years, India has been strengthening its global presence through remarkable economic development. In Japan, the government has launched various policies to strengthen the "Special Strategic Global Partnership" with India, and private companies are increasing their investment in India with an eye on business development in the Indian market, leading to a rapid increase in interest in India.
The Institute established the "Japan-India Economic Security Study Group" in 2023, providing recommendations and seminars on strengthening Japan-India relations from the perspective of economic security. In 2025, it further developed this into the "India Study Group," where experts have repeatedly discussed India from various perspectives.
This Unit was established as a specialized organization to further accelerate these activities and provide advanced knowledge to support Japanese companies' business development in India.

■Activities of the Unit
The Unit will bring together experts in various fields such as Indian politics and economy, and utilizing the results of discussions from the India Study Group, it will meticulously analyze and disseminate information on the rapidly changing trends and realities in India.

The main activities are as follows:
1. Research and study on Indian politics, economy, and business
2. Dissemination of information based on research and study results
3. Provision of advice to support Japanese companies' entry into India and the creation of concrete businesses

■Composition of the Unit
Kenji Hiramatsu, Chairman of the Institute for International Strategy and former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to India, will assume the position of Unit Head. In addition, researchers from JRI's Research Department specializing in the Indian economy and other fields, as well as researchers from the Institute, and external experts in Indian politics, diplomacy, and business will be invited to establish a system for multi-faceted research and analysis.

(As of April 1, 2026)
・Unit Head: Kenji Hiramatsu, Chairman, JRI Institute for International Strategy (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to India from 2015 to 2019)
・Visiting Researcher: Kazutoshi Tamari, Professor, Chukyo University (Indian Politics and Diplomacy)
・Visiting Researcher: Eri Ikeda, Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (Indian Business)
・Senior Researcher: Shotaro Kumagai, Senior Researcher, JRI Research Department (Indian Economy)
・Researcher: Kohei Goto, Researcher, JRI Institute for International Strategy (Indian Society in general)

(Reference) About the Institute for International Strategy
Established in October 2010 with the aim of further strengthening information gathering, research, and dissemination capabilities from an international perspective, including political, security, and diplomatic issues, amidst the progress of globalization worldwide. It is a think tank that continues to explore how Japan should perceive and confront new trends in international relations.

■Contact for this matter
[For media relations] Public Relations Department, Kanai, Phone: 080-3437-9449
[For general customers] Institute for International Strategy, Email: UN_7755.group@jri.co.jp