PM Modi Welcomes Japanese Counterpart for Annual Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to New Delhi for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, describing her historic visit as the start of a "new chapter" in the global strategic partnership between two of the world's five largest economies. Takaichi is the first female prime minister of Japan, and Modi referred to her as his "younger sister" during the joint press briefing.
Mutual Trust as a Strategic Asset
Reflecting on the shifting global alliances and geopolitical landscape, Modi emphasized that the deep-rooted India-Japan relationship remains resilient and serves as a vital anchor for regional balance. "Just a few days ago, at the G7 Summit, I had said that in today's atmosphere of global upheaval, mutual trust is our greatest strategic asset. And I am proud that the India-Japan partnership stands fully tested on this touchstone," he stated.
New Chapter in Global Strategic Partnership
Modi acknowledged Japan's enduring contributions to India's infrastructure and industrial modernization over decades, while casting a forward-looking vision for their shared responsibility as dominant economic and democratic powers in Asia. "Japan has played an important role in India's growth story. Today, through PM's visit, we are starting a new chapter in our global strategic partnership. Today both are the five largest economy in the world. Rule-based Indo-Pacific is our shared priorities. As the largest democratic region, we have taken several important initiatives. We will lead the way to peace and stability," he said.
Bilateral Talks and Ceremonial Welcome
Earlier, Modi and Takaichi held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, marking another step in strengthening the special partnership built on trust. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were also present. Prior to the talks, Takaichi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where Modi introduced his cabinet colleagues and other dignitaries to the Japanese PM.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
India and Japan share a long-standing friendship rooted in centuries of cultural and civilizational exchange, spiritual affinity, and shared values of freedom, democracy, and respect for the rule of law. The relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014 during the summit between Modi and former PM Shinzo Abe. Diplomatic relations were established in 1952, upgraded to a Global Partnership in 2000, and to a Strategic and Global Partnership in 2006. As the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, cooperation continues to deepen across trade, investment, economic security, defence, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people ties. The bilateral framework now comprises over 70 dialogue mechanisms.
Recent High-Level Engagements
The relationship is marked by frequent high-level political engagement. Most recently, Modi interacted with Takaichi during the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, in June 2026. The two leaders had earlier met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. Modi also congratulated Takaichi on assuming office in a telephone call in October 2025. Modi visited Japan for the 15th Annual Summit in Tokyo in August 2025. The Annual Summit remains the flagship platform driving the strategic agenda of the partnership.
