Japanese PM Takaichi's India Visit Set for July, Likely in New Delhi
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to make her first official visit to India from July 1-3, with sources indicating that the visit will likely be held in New Delhi due to logistical issues. Initially, Guwahati was also considered as a possible venue and was offered to the Japanese side, but the tight schedule and additional logistical challenges of a visit outside the capital have led to the preference for Delhi.
Logistical Challenges and Programming Elements
According to sources, "Given PM Takaichi's domestic commitments, the window between her proposed arrival in India and her departure is quite tight. In view of this and the additional logistical issues connected to a visit outside the capital, the visit is likely to be held in Delhi." This decision also accommodates certain programming elements that both sides are keen on to boost bilateral ties.
Assam CM's Earlier Statement on Guwahati Visit
Last week, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had posted on X that there was a possibility of the Japanese Prime Minister visiting Guwahati on July 1 for summit-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Japanese local media had also reported that Takaichi was set to visit Assam in early July, accompanied by leaders from over 50 Japanese companies and organisations, according to a June 18 report in Nikkei.
Agenda: Security and Economic Cooperation
During the meeting with PM Modi, the two leaders are expected to discuss concrete measures for cooperation in security and economy, based on the Japan-India joint vision for the next decade announced during PM Modi's visit to Japan last year, as per an NHK report. Earlier this month, on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, PM Modi emphasised that India and Japan will continue to deepen ties across diverse sectors, with trade and investment remaining priority areas.
Takaichi's Background and Historical Context
Takaichi, a protege of the late former PM Shinzo Abe, is the first woman Prime Minister of Japan. Incidentally, Abe was due to visit Guwahati for summit talks with PM Modi in December 2019, but his visit was postponed.
