Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The event marked the beginning of her official visit to India, during which she is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ceremonial Reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan
The welcome ceremony, held at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, included a guard of honour and the playing of the national anthems of both nations. PM Takaichi was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit underscores the deepening ties between India and Japan, two major democracies in the Indo-Pacific region.
Bilateral Talks to Focus on Key Sectors
The two prime ministers are expected to engage in comprehensive discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, defence, and other key sectors. According to official sources, the talks will also cover regional security issues, infrastructure development, and technology collaboration. India and Japan have been strategic partners for over a decade, with regular high-level exchanges and joint military exercises.
Enhancing Economic and Strategic Partnership
Trade between India and Japan has grown steadily, with bilateral trade reaching $25 billion in 2025. The two sides are expected to discuss ways to boost investment, particularly in India's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. Japan is a key partner in India's 'Make in India' initiative and has committed to investing $42 billion in India over the next five years. Defence cooperation is also high on the agenda, with the two nations conducting joint naval exercises and collaborating on defence technology.
Regional and Global Cooperation
The leaders are also likely to exchange views on regional and global issues, including the situation in the Indo-Pacific, the Quad framework, and cooperation at the United Nations. Both countries share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and have been working closely under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) along with the United States and Australia. The visit is expected to further cement the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
