Sanae Takaichi departs for Delhi, says India-Japan collaboration growing greater amid global uncertainty
Tokyo, July 1
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi departed on Wednesday for a three-day visit to India for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi.
Prior to her departure, Takaichi highlighted the importance of Japan's collaboration with India amid the growing uncertainty in the international situation, stressing that both nations share fundamental values and strategic interests.
While addressing an informal press conference before departing for India, she said, "In the midst of increasing uncertainty in the international situation, the importance of collaboration with India, which shares fundamental values and strategic interests, is growing ever greater. ... With the participation of more than 150 individuals from Japan's business community ... we aim to broaden the scope of Japan-India cooperation through public-private partnership and realize a strong economy."
Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi later in the evening. She will be accorded a Ceremonial Reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday morning.
She will hold the India-Japan Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the Summit, both sides are expected to review and strengthen the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation as well as discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
During her visit, Takaichi will also be attending a business forum. This will be her first official visit to India after assuming office.
"Through this visit, we plan to discuss further strengthening of complementary cooperation toward economic growth through investment and innovation, as well as in areas such as energy and other economic security, under the Japan-India Joint Vision for the next 10 years announced during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan last August, in order to strengthen relations with India, which is extremely important for realising a free and open Indo-Pacific," read a statement issued by Japan's Foreign Ministry ahead of Takaichi's visit.
Earlier in June, PM Modi met PM Takaichi on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in France and stated that India and Japan will continue to deepen ties across diverse sectors.
"Had a great interaction with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan. India and Japan will continue to deepen ties in diverse sectors, with a priority on trade and investment," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.
India and Japan share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and friendship between the two nations has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilisational ties. There is synergy between India's Act-East Policy, Indo-Pacific vision based on the principle of SAGAR, and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) on one hand, and Japanʼs Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision on the other.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see our government prioritizing strategic partnerships. The India-Japan relationship has always been based on trust and shared democratic values. Takaichi's focus on economic security and innovation aligns well with India's needs in sectors like semiconductors and green energy. But I hope the visit also addresses practical concerns like visa facilitation for Indian students and professionals—that would truly strengthen people-to-people ties.
Finally, a summit that isn't just about photo ops and handshakes. The 10-year joint vision announced during PM Modi's Japan visit last August needs proper implementation. Happy to see private sector involvement—Japanese companies bring quality and discipline that Indian industry can learn from. Let's hope we move beyond memorandums of understanding to actual bullet train projects and tech transfers. Time to walk the talk!
The "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" framework is a smart alignment of interests. Japan and India both understand the importance of maritime security and rule-based order in the region. With China's growing assertiveness, this partnership is not just economic but also strategic. However, I wish our media focused more on substance rather than just the ceremonial aspects. What exactly will change for ordinary Indians? That's the real question.
This visit is a masterstroke for diplomacy. Takaichi—Japan's first female PM in decades—bringing a large business delegation shows confidence in India's economic trajectory under Modi ji. The joint vision for the next decade covers energy security, which is vital given global oil volatility. Also appreciate that both nations are focusing on democratic values amid rising authoritarian tendencies elsewhere. Sabka saath, sabka vikas, with Japanese precision! 🇮🇳
K We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.