Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's MAHASAGAR (Great Ocean Initiative) is perfectly aligned with Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) policy. During a joint press statement with PM Modi, Takaichi confirmed that both leaders share a common vision and agreed to deepen strategic cooperation to achieve these shared goals.
Strategic Cooperation and Maritime Security
Takaichi emphasized that MAHASAGAR, which positions the ocean as a shared space supporting regional stability and growth, complements FOIP. "Thus, we agreed to deepen the strategic cooperation between Japan and India to achieve such common goals. Expansion of maritime security cooperation is especially important for regional peace and stability," she said.
The leaders instructed relevant departments to hold discussions and organize the next Japan-India 2+2 ministerial dialogue before the end of the year. Takaichi also announced that a destroyer from Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and an Indian Navy vessel plan to conduct joint exercises. She called for enhanced exercises in the Indian Ocean, naval maintenance and repair cooperation, and strengthened equipment cooperation under the Make in India framework.
Economic and Energy Security
Addressing economic security, Takaichi noted challenges such as economic weaponization and non-market practices, stressing the urgency to build resilience in critical minerals supply chains. On energy security, she highlighted that both countries bear responsibility for region-wide energy security, especially given the Middle East situation. She launched the Japan-India Cooperative Biogas for Growth (CBG) initiative, supporting India's goal to build 1,000 biogas plants from cow faeces. Additionally, under the Power Asia initiative, a bilateral dialogue will strengthen India's petroleum stockpiling system, and Japan supports India's membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Investment and Innovation Collaboration
Takaichi committed to realizing a strong economy by enhancing Japan's supply and technological capabilities through investment in 17 strategic areas. She praised PM Modi's Viksit Bharat goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. During the visit, around 120 cooperation documents between Indian and Japanese companies were announced, involving investments worth 2 trillion yen. "It is a desire to forge a path for future in India and Japan through unified efforts of public and private sectors," she said.
Strengthening People-to-People Ties
Looking ahead to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, Takaichi expressed her wish to bring the people of both countries closer under the India-Japan Special Strategic Global Partnership. "Together with my bigger brother, Prime Minister Modi, I will lead the India-Japan relations going forward to a new phase. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi in Japan next time," she concluded.
