PM Modi Welcomes Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi on First Visit to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended a warm welcome to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as she arrived in New Delhi for her first official visit to India. The three-day visit is expected to deepen bilateral ties, with both leaders set to discuss economic security, energy security, regional stability and cooperation across key strategic sectors.

Modi Highlights Shared Vision for Indo-Pacific

Following Takaichi's arrival, Prime Minister Modi took to X to welcome the Japanese leader and reaffirm India's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Japan.

"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," the Prime Minister said in his post.

Emphasising the broader regional significance of the relationship, Modi added, "Through our joint efforts, we will continue to advance peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond."

Takaichi is visiting India from July 1 to July 3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi and will participate in the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit during her stay.

Economic Security, Energy Cooperation on Agenda

Shortly after reaching New Delhi, Takaichi outlined the key priorities for her discussions with the Indian leadership, highlighting the growing importance of economic and energy security amid evolving global challenges.

In a post on X, she said, "I have arrived in Delhi, the capital of India. As Prime Minister of Japan, this will be my first visit to India in about three years, and personally, my very first time visiting the country. In discussions with Prime Minister Modi, centering on urgent issues including economic security and energy security, we will aim to deepen the strategic cooperative relationship between Japan and India in light of the current international situation, promote mutually complementary cooperation, and further strengthen the Japan-India 'Special Strategic Global Partnership'."

Her remarks underscore the increasing focus of both countries on securing supply chains, boosting technological cooperation and addressing emerging geopolitical and economic challenges.

Annual Summit to Review Comprehensive Bilateral Cooperation

During the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, the two leaders are expected to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments.

According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, the summit will provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across strategic, economic, technological and security sectors. Discussions are expected to cover areas such as resilient supply chains, semiconductors, critical minerals, investment, innovation, maritime security and defence technology.

The visit is also expected to advance the shared India-Japan vision of a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific while reinforcing cooperation on issues of mutual strategic interest.

(With inputs from ANI)