PM Modi, Japan’s New PM Sanae Takaichi Pledge to Deepen Strategic Partnership

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held their first official conversation on Wednesday, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The dialogue comes just a week after Takaichi, 64, made history by becoming Japan’s first woman prime minister, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba.

In a post on X, Modi said he had a “warm conversation” with Takaichi, during which he congratulated her on assuming office and discussed shared priorities. “We agreed that stronger India–Japan ties are vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity,” Modi stated, emphasizing collaboration in economic security, defence cooperation, and talent mobility.

The two leaders underscored that the India–Japan partnership—anchored in mutual trust and shared democratic values—remains a key pillar for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Their renewed engagement is expected to inject momentum into ongoing collaborations in advanced technology, infrastructure development, and renewable energy.

Modi’s latest conversation with Takaichi builds upon his August visit to Japan, where he met then-Prime Minister Ishiba. During that meeting, both nations signed several landmark agreements, including a framework for deepening defence cooperation and a ten-year roadmap to strengthen economic ties.

Takaichi’s rise to leadership is being closely watched in Asia, with many viewing her as a staunch advocate of national security and regional cooperation. Her alignment with Modi’s vision for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” signals continuity and potential expansion of bilateral initiatives.

With both nations reaffirming their shared strategic vision, the Modi–Takaichi partnership is poised to further elevate India–Japan relations, bolstering economic collaboration and contributing to broader global stability.