From Pen Pals To Partners: PM Modi’s Decades-Long Japan Connection

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s relationship with Japan extends far beyond diplomatic engagements. His association began decades before he assumed office in 2014 and gradually developed into one of India’s strongest strategic partnerships.

PM Modi’s interest in Japanese culture, technology and society dates back to the early 1980s.

As a young Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pracharak, PM Modi met a Japanese visitor from Nagoya during a visit to Nepal.

According to PM Modi’s story on X, their friendship evolved into a pen-pal relationship marked by regular exchanges of letters and gifts, including Japanese shoes, T-shirts and a copy of the Bhagavad Gita.

By 2007, while serving as Gujarat Chief Minister, Prime Minister Modi transformed that admiration into economic engagement. He led a 40-member delegation to Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima and Kobe.

PM Modi met executives from Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Toshiba and Nippon Steel while signing cooperation agreements with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi met former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, laying the foundation for a close personal friendship that later strengthened bilateral relations.

Throughout Abe’s illness, PM Modi regularly enquired about his health, reflecting the warmth behind the diplomatic relationship.

The Shinkansen bullet train journey deeply influenced PM Modi’s vision. He visited the driver’s cockpit and discussed earthquake safety and punctuality systems with engineers.

The experience inspired India’s high-speed rail ambitions.

PM Modi also visited temples, universities and interacted with Japanese children. The engagements reinforced his belief that diplomacy depends on cultural understanding as much as policy.

Inspired by Japan, Gujarat adopted lessons from Kobe’s earthquake recovery and incorporated Japanese practices into its midday meal programme.

During Gujarat’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, soil and water from Japan contributed to the construction of Mahatma Mandir, symbolising enduring friendship.

PM Modi’s 2012 visit, marking the 60th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations, further strengthened the partnership. He attended over 40 programmes despite observing Navratri fasts and promoted Gujarat as an investment destination.

As Prime Minister, PM Modi transformed those experiences into landmark projects. He advanced the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail, the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and deeper defence, technology and economic cooperation.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit continues a relationship built on decades of personal trust, shared values and long-term strategic vision.

Also Read: PM Modi, Japan PM Express Concern Over East, South China Sea During Talks