Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a cordial conversation with Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, on Wednesday, congratulating her on assuming office and reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
In a post shared on X, Modi said he had a “warm conversation” with Takaichi and congratulated her on becoming Japan’s first woman Prime Minister. The two leaders discussed advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, focusing on economic security, defense collaboration, and talent mobility. Modi emphasized that stronger India-Japan ties are vital for maintaining global peace, stability, and prosperity.
Modi had earlier extended his congratulations on October 21, expressing optimism about working closely with the new Japanese administration. He highlighted that the growing cooperation between India and Japan plays a key role in ensuring peace and progress across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. In his message, he reiterated his vision of closer strategic engagement between the two countries, calling the partnership a cornerstone for regional harmony.
Responding to Modi’s message, Prime Minister Takaichi expressed gratitude and said she looked forward to strengthening bilateral ties through the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Her response underscored Japan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with India in defense, technology, and regional security.
Takaichi has also emphasized Japan’s broader diplomatic outlook. In her first policy address to Japan’s Parliament, she pledged to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by March—two years earlier than initially planned. She reaffirmed that Japan’s alliance with the United States would remain the cornerstone of its diplomatic and security strategy, while maintaining “constructive and stable” relations with China.
Takaichi, who leads the Liberal Democratic Party, stated that her government would deepen dialogue with India, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines to promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” She also promised to address Japan’s rising living costs as a top priority while implementing a robust fiscal policy to support economic growth.
The renewed commitment between Modi and Takaichi marks a new chapter in India-Japan relations, rooted in shared values, regional stability, and strategic cooperation.
