Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday warmly welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during the India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi, referring to her as his “younger sister” while addressing a joint press conference. Describing Takaichi as a “visionary and popular leader,” Modi highlighted the long-standing Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, built on shared cultural, civilisational and spiritual ties. Takaichi responded with a smile after hearing the simultaneous Japanese translation of Modi’s remarks.
During the summit, the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across several sectors and unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at deepening ties. Modi noted that India and Japan will celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year and said both countries would enhance cooperation in culture, tourism and the creative economy. Takaichi, on her first official visit to India, thanked Modi and the people of India for the warm hospitality and said both leaders had agreed to further deepen strategic cooperation to achieve shared goals.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the India-Japan partnership as one based on trust, shared values and strategic convergence. Takaichi received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan before holding summit talks with Modi at Hyderabad House. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region while taking the Special Strategic and Global Partnership to greater heights.
