Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced the appointment of Takeuchi Takuro as the new Chief Representative of its India Office, effective from 23 September 2024. Takeuchi takes over from Saito Mitsunori, who concluded his tenure with JICA India after three years and one month of service.
Takeuchi brings with him a vast experience of over 27 years at JICA, where he has held key leadership roles across various divisions. Most recently, he served as the Senior Director of the General Affairs Division of the General Affairs Department, where he played an instrumental role in developing JICA’s institutional strategy and management. His previous experience also includes the Senior Director of South Asia Division 1, which oversees India, as well as the Director of Human Resources and South Asia Division 4 which is responsible for operations in Bangladesh and Nepal.
On assuming his new position, Takeuchi Takuro said, “India is an incredibly dynamic place to work, with unmatched potential for global growth. At the same time, it presents some of the world’s most complex challenges. I am deeply honoured to work in India and lead JICA’s operations at such an exciting time. Our partnerships with Indian institutions have been pivotal in addressing development challenges and fostering sustainable growth. I look forward to working with the talented and dedicated team at JICA India to deepen the India-Japan collaboration and contribute to a more secure and sustainable future.”
Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to India began in 1958, with India being the first recipient of a Japanese ODA loan. Since then, over 8,255.3 billion Japanese Yen (as of March 2024, approximately INR 4.4 lakh crore) have been committed to support more than 333 public sector projects in India, spanning transportation, water and sanitation, energy, healthcare, and forestry. JICA will continue its mission to support India’s development journey through projects aimed at promoting the sustainable development and growth of the country.
