Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday and congratulated her on assuming office. The two leaders discussed their shared vision for advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, focusing on economic security, defence cooperation, and talent mobility.
Sharing details of the conversation on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “Had a warm conversation with Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. Congratulated her on assuming office and discussed our shared vision for advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with focus on economic security, defence cooperation and talent mobility. We agreed that stronger India-Japan ties are vital for global peace, stability and prosperity.”
Earlier, on October 21, Prime Minister Modi had extended his congratulations to Takaichi on being elected as Japan’s first woman Prime Minister. In a post on X, he had said, “Heartiest congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Our deepening ties are vital for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”
Responding to his message, Prime Minister Takaichi said, “I look forward to working with Your Excellency to further promote the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership.”
In her first policy address on Friday to Japan’s Parliament since assuming office, Prime Minister Takaichi pledged to enhance Japan’s defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP by March, two years ahead of the current 2027 target. She also outlined her government’s plans to strengthen engagement with India, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia to advance a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Calling Japan’s alliance with the United States the “cornerstone” of its diplomatic and security policy, she said China remains an “important neighbour,” with whom Japan seeks to maintain “constructive and stable” relations.
Takaichi, who leads Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, also stressed her government’s commitment to address rising living costs as a top priority and to pursue an aggressive fiscal policy aimed at boosting economic resilience.
-ANI