Japan PM Sanae Takaichi arrives in India on first state visit, to hold summit-level talks with PM Modi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in India on Wednesday to participate in the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit.

Takaichi is on three-day state visit to India during which both countries are expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation in several areas, including economic security, emerging technologies, defence, maritime security and investment.

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Minister of State (Science and Technology) Jitendra Singh welcomed the Japanese PM upon her arrival in New Delhi.

Welcoming PM Takaichi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that her visit marks an important step in taking forward the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan.

The visit, taking place from July 1 to July 3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is Takaichi’s first official visit to India since assuming office.

During her stay, she will hold summit-level talks with Prime Minister Modi, participate in the India-Japan Business Forum, and engage with business leaders as the two sides seek to expand their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Ahead of her departure from Tokyo, Takaichi underscored the growing importance of India in Japan’s foreign and strategic policy, saying that the changing international environment has made bilateral cooperation even more significant.

“I will visit India shortly. Amid growing uncertainty in the international situation, the importance of collaboration with India, which shares fundamental values and strategic interests, is only increasing,” she said during an informal press conference before leaving for New Delhi.

The Japanese leader said her discussions with Prime Minister Modi would focus on strengthening strategic cooperation, promoting economic security and encouraging greater collaboration between businesses in both countries.

“In this context, through this visit, taking into account the current international situation, I intend to advance concrete cooperation with Prime Minister Modi, centring on three points: deepening the strategic cooperative relationship between Japan and India, promoting cooperation in economic security, and fostering collaboration between companies of both countries toward investment and innovation,” she added.

Takaichi also highlighted the role of the private sector in expanding bilateral ties, noting that more than 150 representatives from Japan’s business community are expected to participate in the India-Japan Economic Forum.

“On the occasion of this visit to India, we plan to hold the Japan-India Economic Forum with the participation of more than 150 individuals from Japan’s business community. By uniting government and private sectors, we aim to broaden the scope of Japan-India cooperation and realise a strong economy,” she said.

The Japanese Prime Minister said regional security would also feature prominently during her discussions with Prime Minister Modi, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific.

“India, like Japan, as a major democratic country in Asia, bears responsibility for achieving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In that regard, I intend to firmly discuss with Prime Minister Modi efforts toward realising a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP), including the framework of Japan, the United States, Australia, and India,” she said.

Expressing confidence in the bilateral relationship, Takaichi said the visit would also help strengthen her personal rapport with the Indian Prime Minister.

“Finally, since this visit is realised at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, I see it as an opportunity to further deepen the personal trust relationship with Prime Minister Modi,” she said.

Earlier in the day, the Indian Embassy in Tokyo wished the Japanese delegation a safe journey and said preparations had been completed in New Delhi for the high-level visit.

In a post on X, the embassy said, “Prime Minister Takaichi’s Visit to India, Annual Summit Meeting: Prime Minister Takaichi is departing for New Delhi. In India, she will attend the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit Meeting. We wish for a safe journey to India for all members of the delegation. Preparations are in place in New Delhi to welcome everyone. We eagerly await your arrival.”

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the annual summit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation while exchanging views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

The summit is expected to focus on expanding economic engagement, strengthening strategic coordination and enhancing cooperation in critical technologies as both countries seek to build resilient supply chains amid an evolving global economic landscape.

(With inputs from agencies)