Technology has emerged as a central pillar of India-Japan ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday after holding comprehensive talks with his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi, with the two leaders unveiling a range of initiatives covering defence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, clean energy and resilient supply chains.
Following the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi and Takaichi addressed the media, outlining plans to deepen cooperation under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The Prime Minister said the relationship is entering a new stage, driven by growing trust and collaboration in key strategic sectors.
“Just a few days ago at the G7 Summit, I remarked that in today’s climate of global turbulence, mutual trust is our greatest strategic asset. I am proud that the India-Japan partnership fully lives up to this standard," PM Modi said.
Extending a welcome to Takaichi on her first visit to India as Japan’s Prime Minister, Modi described her as Japan’s first woman Prime Minister as well as a “visionary" and “popular" leader. He also highlighted her roots in Nara Prefecture, noting its significance as an important centre of the shared Buddhist heritage linking India and Japan.
Reflecting on the longstanding relationship between the two nations, the Prime Minister credited Japan with making significant contributions to India’s development across industries such as automobiles and electronics, saying the partnership has been built on enduring friendship and mutual confidence.
“Over the past few decades, spanning sectors from automotive to electronics, Japan has played a pivotal role in India’s growth story, building an invaluable bond of friendship and trust. Today, with Prime Minister Takaichi’s visit, we are embarking on a new chapter in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership," he said.
Emphasising the expanding strategic scope of bilateral engagement, Modi said technology cooperation now occupies a prominent place in relations between the two countries.
The leaders also announced the signing of the first India-Japan defence co-development project, marking a new milestone in military cooperation.
“We have signed our first co-development project in defence today. We will jointly develop defence technologies that will contribute to regional peace, maritime security and a rules-based order," PM Modi said.
Reaffirming a shared strategic outlook, the Prime Minister said both nations remain committed to maintaining a “free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific," describing it as one of their common priorities.
Modi also announced that India and Japan have jointly prepared a roadmap aimed at strengthening energy and economic security amid continuing global uncertainty.
“In today’s uncertain times, energy security and economic security are extremely important. We have prepared a joint roadmap. It covers semiconductors, quantum technologies and strengthening supply chain resilience," he said.
Among the new initiatives unveiled was the India-Japan Biogas Initiative, under which biogas plants will be established across India. The Prime Minister said the programme is expected to support sustainability, improve rural livelihoods and boost prosperity, while cooperation in clean energy will also be expanded.
On the economic front, Modi said commercial engagement between the two countries has continued to gather momentum. He noted that nearly 120 new business agreements had been concluded over the past year, bringing investments of almost USD 10 billion into India. He also reaffirmed the long-term objective of attracting 10 trillion yen in Japanese investment over the coming decade.
Earlier in the day, Modi and Takaichi led delegation-level discussions at Hyderabad House as part of efforts to further strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, along with other senior officials.
Before the summit, Takaichi received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Commenting on the visit, Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it reflected a partnership for the future “built on trust and rooted in shared values."
Takaichi is visiting India on a three-day official trip from July 1 to 3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi.
Her visit includes participation in the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, where the two sides are expected to review the full range of bilateral cooperation while also discussing regional and global issues of mutual interest.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the summit offers both countries an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation across strategic, economic, technological and security sectors as they continue to deepen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
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