Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held a productive conversation with the newly appointed Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, extending his congratulations on her assumption of office. The discussion centered on their shared commitment to enhancing the partnership between India and Japan, with both leaders emphasizing that stronger bilateral ties are crucial for global peace, stability, and prosperity.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi shared insights from their ‘warm conversation,’ stating, “Congratulated her on assuming office and discussed our shared vision for advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with focus on economic security, defence cooperation and talent mobility. We agreed that stronger India-Japan ties are vital for global peace, stability and prosperity.”
This follows Prime Minister Modi’s earlier congratulations to Ms. Takaichi on her election as Japan’s first female Prime Minister. He highlighted that the deepening relationship between India and Japan is instrumental for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Responding to PM Modi’s warm wishes, Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her eagerness to work together to further strengthen their ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership.’
Earlier, PM Takaichi indicated that her government intends to foster deeper multilateral dialogues with India and other key nations like South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia. This initiative aims to advance a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific,’ particularly in light of increasing military activities in the region.
Recognizing the alliance with the United States as a cornerstone of Japan’s foreign and security policies, Takaichi also acknowledged China as an ‘important neighbor.’ She stressed the need for constructive and stable bilateral ties, promoting a ‘strategic and mutually beneficial’ relationship.
In her inaugural policy speech to the Japanese Parliament, Ms. Takaichi pledged to increase the country’s defense spending to 2% of GDP by March, two years ahead of the original target. She also vowed to pursue an active fiscal policy and prioritized tackling rising living costs as a ‘top priority’ for her administration.