Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was accorded a formal welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The ceremony included a ceremonial guard of honour. During the reception, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced his cabinet colleagues and other dignitaries to the Japanese leader.
Excitement and Gratitude Expressed
Japan expressed excitement about the visit, with the Japanese Cabinet Public Relations Officer posting on X: "Our heartfelt thanks for your warm welcome. We are very much excited to be visiting India!" The post highlighted the anticipation surrounding Takaichi's three-day official visit.
Arrival and Reception
On Wednesday, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, received Takaichi upon her arrival at Palam Technical Airport in New Delhi. In a post on X, Singh stated: "Privileged to receive and welcome Her Excellency Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan, on behalf of the Govt of India, on her arrival at Palam Technical Airport, New Delhi, late this evening, on a 3-day visit to India where her engagements include the '15th India-Japan Annual Summit'. The visit assumes special significance in the backdrop of growing strategic partnership between the two countries."
Prime Minister Modi's Welcome
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Takaichi to India, saying he was "delighted" to host her on her first visit to the country. In a post on X, Modi said: "A very warm welcome to India, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. We are delighted to host you on your first visit to India and I look forward to our wide-ranging discussions tomorrow that will further deepen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership." He added: "Through our joint efforts, we will continue to advance peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond."
Summit and Strategic Significance
The 15th India-Japan Annual Summit is expected to cover bilateral and regional issues, further strengthening the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nations. The visit underscores the growing strategic partnership, with discussions anticipated on economic cooperation, security, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
