"Amid growing uncertainty in international situation, importance of collaboration with India is increasing": Japan PM ahead of India visit
Tokyo, July 1
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday said that amid rising uncertainties in the global arena, collaboration with India becomes even more pertinent.
The Japanese PM was speaking at an informal press conference regarding her visit to India, wherein she said that she intends to advance concrete cooperation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She is scheduled to land in India later in the evening and meet PM Modi on Thursday.
"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.
Takaichi said her visit aims at fostering collaboration between companies of both countries toward investment and innovation.
"In this context, through this visit, taking into account the current international situation, I intend to advance concrete cooperation with Prime Minister Modi, centering 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 said.
The Japanese Prime Minister said by uniting government and private sectors, she aims to broaden the scope of Japan-India cooperation.
"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 realize a strong economy," she said.
"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 realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP), including the framework of Japan, the United States, Australia, and India," she added.
She also intended to deepen personal trust with PM Modi.
"Finally, since this visit is realized 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, Takaichi departed from Tokyo for India to attend the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit Meeting in Delhi.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Its encouraging to see Japan prioritizing ties with India. Both countries share democratic values and face similar challenges. However, I hope the focus on economic security doesn't lead to more defense spending at the cost of social welfare for common citizens. A balanced approach is needed.
The personal trust between leaders matters a lot in diplomacy. PM Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi seem to have good chemistry. With China flexing muscles in the South China Sea and along our borders, this strategic partnership is absolutely crucial for peace in the Indo-Pacific. Well timed visit!
Economic cooperation is great, but we need concrete results not just MOUs. Remember the bullet train project? Still not completed. Japan is a reliable partner but we must ensure mutual benefits. Also, 150 business delegates coming shows they see India as a serious investment destination - that's positive!
"Shared fundamental values and strategic interests" - exactly what makes India and Japan natural partners. While China tries to bully neighbors, India and Japan are building a free and open Indo-Pacific based on rules. This visit will strengthen the Quad framework too. Proud to see India being courted as a key partner! 🚀
I appreciate the strategic logic but wish our media would cover the trade deficit with Japan too. We import far more from Japan than we export. Yes, investment is good, but let's also push for technology transfer and skill development for Indian workers. Making India a manufacturing hub requires more than just capital.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.