PM Modi, Former Japanese PM Kishida Review Progress in India–Japan Ties

Tokyo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Friday to review the progress of India–Japan relations, particularly in trade, critical technologies, and human resource mobility.

“Had a wonderful meeting with former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Fumio Kishida. He has always been a great advocate of closer India–Japan relations. We discussed progress across trade, critical technologies, human resource mobility, and the vast potential in emerging areas such as technology and semiconductors,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the meeting, noting that both leaders explored ways to take forward the bilateral partnership for mutual growth and prosperity.

PM Modi also met former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, currently Chairperson of the Japan–India Association. “We spoke about many dimensions of India–Japan cooperation and how to deepen it, including in technology, AI, trade, investment and beyond,” Modi said after the interaction.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba jointly addressed the India–Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo, which was attended by top CEOs and business leaders. Modi underlined India’s deep economic ties with Japan, highlighting areas of future collaboration: “Like we did in automobiles, we can recreate the same success in batteries, robotics, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and nuclear energy.” He also stressed tech–talent synergy, green energy, next-generation infrastructure, and stronger people-to-people connections.

Later on Friday, PM Modi is scheduled to hold the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit with PM Ishiba, followed by a working dinner. The two leaders will also travel to Miyagi Prefecture on Saturday.

This marks PM Modi’s eighth visit to Japan. He was last in Tokyo in May 2023, and has since met Japanese leaders at the G7 Summit in Canada (June 2025) and at the 21st ASEAN–India Summit in Laos.

Upon arrival, Modi was welcomed by Japan’s Ambassador to India, ONO Keiichi, India’s Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, senior officials, and members of the Indian community. The Prime Minister praised the diaspora for preserving cultural roots while contributing significantly to Japanese society.

Following his Japan visit, PM Modi will head to Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit from August 31 to September 1.

With inputs from IANS