Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, affirmed a robust strategic and global partnership during their annual summit in India. The leaders committed to significantly deepen cooperation across defence, maritime security, economic collaboration, and energy initiatives amidst a period of global uncertainty.
Brother-Sister Bond Highlights Trust
Welcoming Prime Minister Takaichi on her inaugural visit to India for the summit, PM Modi described the Japanese leader as his “younger sister,” signaling a new chapter in bilateral relations. Modi emphasized that mutual trust forms the bedrock of the India-Japan partnership, a sentiment he also voiced at a recent G7 Summit.
In response, PM Takaichi acknowledged Modi's remarks, stating that the leaders had agreed to foster their bilateral relationship “as brother and sister.” She highlighted Japan's pivotal role in India's development, spanning sectors from automotive to electronics, and noted her own roots in Nara Prefecture, which shares a rich Buddhist heritage with India.
Enhanced Defence and Maritime Security
A key focus of the discussions was the expansion of strategic cooperation, particularly in defence and maritime security. PM Takaichi noted the alignment between Japan's updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision and India's MAHASAGAR initiative, both aiming for regional peace and stability.
Specific defence initiatives announced included plans for a joint exercise involving a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer and an Indian Navy vessel. Both nations will also expand exercises in the Indian Ocean, promote naval maintenance and overhaul cooperation, and bolster defence equipment collaboration under India's 'Make in India' initiative. To advance these goals, officials were directed to convene the next India-Japan 2+2 dialogue before the year's end.
Economic Security and Energy Transition
The leaders also committed to deepening cooperation on economic security and building resilient supply chains, especially for critical minerals. A joint public-private document was released to drive concrete actions under Japan's 'Power Asia' initiative, including a new bilateral dialogue to strengthen India's petroleum stockpiling system. Japan also expressed support for India's membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA).
On energy transition, PM Takaichi highlighted India's ambitious goal of establishing 1,000 biogas plants utilizing cattle waste through cooperative models, underscoring shared environmental objectives. The summit marked a comprehensive agenda for future collaboration, reinforcing the strategic ties between India and Japan.