NITI Aayog, JICA Sign SDG Phase II Cooperation Project

NITI Aayog and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Record of Discussion for “Project for Promotion of Japan-India Cooperative Actions towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Phase II”.

• The objective of the project is to strengthen policy frameworks and implementation mechanisms in six key sectors (global partnerships, health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and skill development, and basic infrastructure).
• This initiative focuses on institutional capacity-building, advanced monitoring and evaluation systems, and effective localization of SDGs in Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks.
• Under this project, the main activities include people-to-people and capacity-building exchanges, Japan-India knowledge forums, identification and dissemination of best practices, and targeted support to Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks.
• Signing the Record of Discussion emphasizes strengthening the India-Japan partnership and reflects a shared commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 through strong institutional capacity and evidence-based governance in Aspirational Districts and Blocks.

About the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

• Established in August 1974, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is Japan’s government agency responsible for implementing Official Development Assistance (ODA).
• It evolved from the early technical training program started in 1954 into a major development entity, was restructured as an independent administrative institution in 2003 and merged with loan aid operations in 2008 to provide integrated technical, grant and loan aid.

About the India-Japan development partnership

• Japan has been India’s largest bilateral donor since 1958, with total cumulative Official Development Assistance (ODA) exceeding ₹4.4 lakh crore. It supports more than 84 ongoing projects in sectors such as transport, energy and water.
• The 'India-Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade' (August 2025) outlines eight strategic directions for cooperation, including enhanced economic ties, technology partnerships and clean energy initiatives.
• Both countries have set a new target of 68 billion US dollars of private investment from Japan to India in the next decade.
• In March 2025, six loan agreements worth a total of ₹11,181 crore were signed under Japan’s ODA for financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

About Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a broad set of 17 goals adopted by the UN in 2015 to address poverty, inequality, climate change and other challenges. With 169 targets and 304 indicators, they aim to create a sustainable and equitable future. The SDGs build on the Millennium Development Goals and address their shortcomings in a broader universal manner.
• SDG 1 - No Poverty: All forms of poverty should be ended everywhere in the world.
• SDG 2 - Zero Hunger: End hunger, improve food security, enhance nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
• SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lifestyles and promote well-being for people of all ages.
• SDG 4 - Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable education for all students along with opportunities for lifelong learning.
• SDG 5 - Gender Equality: Ensure gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
• SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy sources for all.
• SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent jobs for all.
• SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
• SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
• SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
• SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
• SDG 13 - Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
• SDG 14 - Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans and marine resources for sustainable development.
• SDG 15 - Life on Land: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt biodiversity loss.
• SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, ensure equal access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions.
• SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.