PM Modi, Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Hold Summit Talks to Deepen Strategic Partnership

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as the two leaders sought to further strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Before the formal discussions began, the two leaders exchanged warm greetings. Takaichi also bowed before the national flags of India and Japan while walking alongside Prime Minister Modi towards the meeting venue.

The leaders are holding the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, where they are expected to review the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and discuss regional as well as global issues of mutual interest.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Takaichi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where she was received by Prime Minister Modi. The visit marks her first official trip to India since assuming office.

Takaichi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a three-day official visit. Welcoming the Japanese leader, the Ministry of External Affairs said the visit represents another important step in advancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries. Minister of State Jitendra Singh received her upon arrival.

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Before leaving Tokyo, Takaichi said she hoped to make concrete progress with Prime Minister Modi in three priority areas: strengthening the strategic partnership in the current global environment, expanding cooperation in economic security, and boosting investment and innovation through closer business collaboration.

She also highlighted the Japan-India Joint Economic Forum, which is being attended by representatives of more than 150 Japanese companies and business organisations, expressing hope that greater private-sector engagement would further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Emphasising the shared commitment of India and Japan to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, Takaichi said she looked forward to detailed discussions with Prime Minister Modi on advancing the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), including cooperation under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue framework.

She added that the visit would also help deepen the personal trust and understanding between the two leaders while reinforcing the long-standing partnership between India and Japan.

With inputs from IANS