Shillong, 2nd February, 2026: Asian Confluence welcomed a delegation of Japanese students from leading universities in Japan, organised by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), to the Asian Confluence Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties and academic exchange between India and Japan.

The delegation viewed the photo exhibition at the Centre, offering visual insights into the cultural, social, and strategic landscapes of the Bay of Bengal region and North East India. This was followed by an interactive discussion on contemporary India–Japan relations, with a particular focus on the strategic and developmental significance of North East India.

Discussions highlighted Japan’s demographic challenges and explored how these could translate into opportunities for youth from North East India across education, skills, employment, and mobility. Emphasis was also placed on the role of Japanese language learning centres in the region as key enablers of youth exchange and deeper people-to-people engagement. Other themes included connectivity, youth exchanges, and issues of identity, land, and livelihoods in the region.

The discussion featured distinguished speakers and panellists, including Mr Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director, Asian Confluence; Ms Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times;  Amb. Riewad Warjri, Distingished Fellow, Asian Confluence; Dr Binayak Dutta, Hon. Senior Fellow, Asian Confluence, along with other eminent experts. Participants underscored the need to sustain youth-centric dialogue, expand educational and cultural exchanges, and strengthen North East India’s role in the evolving India–Japan partnership.