In a major boost to India–Japan development collaboration, NITI Aayog and Japan International Cooperation Agency today signed the Record of Discussions (RoD) for Phase II of the “Project for Promotion of the Program for Japan–India Cooperative Actions Towards Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) in Aspirational Districts and Blocks. The signing was witnessed by Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, NITI Aayog, and Takeuchi Takuro, Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency India.
The initiative aims to accelerate inclusive development in underserved regions by leveraging institutional strengths, knowledge sharing, and on-ground experience. Phase II will focus on six thematic areas: Global Partnership, Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure.
Key activities include capacity-building exchanges, Japan–India knowledge forums, dissemination of best practices, and targeted support for Aspirational Districts and Blocks. The project also emphasizes strengthening policy frameworks, institutional capacity, monitoring systems, and effective localization of SDGs.
Mr. Takeuchi Takuro highlighted India’s globally recognized district- and block-level monitoring systems and described the collaboration as a mutually beneficial initiative that further strengthens the India–Japan partnership.
The signing of the RoD reflects the shared commitment of both nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 through evidence-based governance and robust institutional capacity in Aspirational Districts and Blocks.
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