Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian PM Narendra Modi vow to strengthen the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, focusing on Indo-Pacific stability, defence, innovation, and economic cooperation to usher in a “new golden chapter” of bilateral ties.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday reaffirmed her government’s commitment to deepen Japan’s strategic and economic partnership with India, describing the next phase of bilateral relations as a “new golden chapter” in their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
During a 25-minute telephonic conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Takaichi expressed Japan’s intent to continue working closely with India toward realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, in cooperation with other Quad partners — Australia and the United States.
According to a statement released by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japanese Prime Minister emphasized that Tokyo and New Delhi share fundamental values and strategic interests, making their partnership essential to maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.
“At the outset, Prime Minister Takaichi stated that, as the two countries share fundamental values and strategic interests, Japan intends to continue to work together toward realizing a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’, including through Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad). Prime Minister Takaichi also stated that, based on the Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade presented during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan in August this year, Japan will further advance cooperation with India in a wide range of fields, including security, economy, investment, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges,” the statement read.
Takaichi also reaffirmed her intention to collaborate closely with Prime Minister Modi to expand the scope of the partnership, especially in emerging technologies, innovation, and defence cooperation, while enhancing bilateral exchanges between citizens and businesses of both nations.
Following the conversation, PM Takaichi posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Had a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and I was very grateful for his congratulatory message on my appointment as Prime Minister of Japan. Together with him, I would like to open a new golden chapter in the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership.”
PM Modi Welcomes Japan’s Renewed Commitment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Takaichi on becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister and welcomed her vision to deepen bilateral ties. He reiterated India’s commitment to work closely with Japan on key global and regional challenges.
In a post on X, 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.”
Modi also underlined that the India–Japan partnership is not only bilateral but also pivotal to shaping the broader Indo-Pacific framework, especially under the Quad initiative, which promotes democratic values, supply chain resilience, and regional connectivity.
A New Era Under Takaichi’s Leadership
Sanae Takaichi, elected on October 21, became Japan’s first woman Prime Minister after securing 237 votes in the Lower House and 125 votes in the Upper House — just above the majority mark. Her victory marks a historic moment in Japanese politics, with observers calling her leadership both symbolic and strategic amid shifting Indo-Pacific dynamics.
Takaichi has repeatedly highlighted her commitment to working with key democratic partners such as India to promote economic resilience, maritime security, and technological innovation.
Last week, in her response to PM Modi’s congratulatory message following her election, Takaichi expressed gratitude and reaffirmed her willingness to further promote the Special Strategic and Global Partnership. “Thank you very much, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for extending warm congratulations on my selection as Prime Minister. I look forward to working with Your Excellency to further promote the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” she wrote.
Strengthening the India–Japan Vision for the Next Decade
Both leaders reaffirmed the Japan–India Joint Vision for the Next Decade, established during Modi’s August 2025 visit to Tokyo. The framework focuses on five key pillars:
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Economic security and resilient supply chains
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Defence cooperation and maritime security
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High-tech and innovation partnerships
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Investment and infrastructure connectivity
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People-to-people and cultural exchanges
As Japan and India continue to align their strategies, both leaders highlighted that strong bilateral relations are essential for a stable Indo-Pacific and the broader global order. The call marks a positive reset in diplomatic engagement under Japan’s new leadership, reaffirming a shared determination to write a “new golden chapter” in one of Asia’s most consequential partnerships.
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