In a significant diplomatic exchange, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, following her recent assumption of office. During their conversation, both leaders expressed a shared vision for advancing the robust partnership between India and Japan.
PM Modi shared on the social platform X that the discussion was “warm” and focused on key areas such as economic security, defense cooperation, and talent mobility. He emphasized the critical role of strengthened India-Japan relations in ensuring global peace, stability, and prosperity.
Prime Minister Takaichi, in her response, conveyed her eagerness to collaborate with PM Modi to further enhance the “India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.”
Earlier reports indicated that Prime Minister Takaichi’s government intends to bolster multilateral dialogues with key countries, including India, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines, with a strategic focus on promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific” region. While acknowledging the United States alliance as a cornerstone of Japan’s foreign policy, Takaichi also characterized China as an “important neighbor” with whom constructive and stable relations should be fostered.
In her inaugural policy address to the Japanese Parliament, Takaichi outlined her administration’s ambitious plans, including a commitment to significantly increase defense spending to 2% of GDP ahead of schedule. She also pledged an aggressive fiscal policy and prioritized tackling the rising cost of living as a key objective for her government.