Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday, marking their first in-person interaction since Takaichi assumed office.
The leaders explored ways to inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation, particularly in innovation, defence collaboration and talent mobility.
Describing the talks as ‘productive’, PM Modi emphasised that a strong India–Japan partnership plays a critical role in shaping a stable global future. He added that both countries are keen to enhance trade relations and deepen engagement across emerging sectors.
In a post on X, PM Modi highlighted the wide-ranging nature of the discussions, reaffirming shared priorities in technological innovation, security cooperation and workforce exchange.
Had a productive meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan. We discussed ways to add momentum to bilateral cooperation in areas such as innovation, defence, talent mobility and more. We are also looking to enhance trade ties between our nations. A strong India-Japan… pic.twitter.com/4UexmElSwQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 23, 2025
The meeting followed their telephonic conversation on October 29, during which PM Modi had congratulated Takaichi on taking office and reiterated India’s commitment to advancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Both leaders expressed alignment on strengthening economic security and accelerating defence collaboration. PM Modi noted that India and Japan’s converging interests make their partnership indispensable to global peace, stability and prosperity.
Japan Reaffirms Commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
During their earlier conversation, which lasted around 25 minutes, PM Takaichi conveyed Japan’s intention to work closely with India to realise a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, including through cooperation in the Quad grouping. She expressed confidence that the two nations could open a ‘new golden chapter’ in their long-standing strategic partnership.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had stated that Tokyo views India as a key partner in maintaining regional balance, advancing economic resilience and promoting a rules-based international order.
The strengthening diplomatic engagement comes against the backdrop of recent discussions between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu.
The ministers met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 27, agreeing to work closely to operationalise the joint vision for the next decade of India–Japan cooperation.
EAM Jaishankar, in a post on X, described their meeting as reflective of the ‘strength and warmth’ of the bilateral relationship, noting that they exchanged perspectives on global geopolitics and Indo-Pacific priorities.
Through sustained high-level engagement, India and Japan continue to consolidate a partnership that is strategic, forward-looking and pivotal to regional stability.
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