India-Japan – Modi and Takaichi Hold Talks to Expand Strategic Partnership
India-Japan – Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in New Delhi on Thursday, holding bilateral discussions aimed at advancing the long-standing Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries. The meeting took place at Hyderabad House during Takaichi’s three-day official visit to India.
Ceremonial Reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Before the talks, Prime Minister Takaichi received a formal welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. She was given a ceremonial guard of honour in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and senior officials.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the reception reflected the close relationship between India and Japan, describing it as a future-oriented partnership based on trust and shared democratic values. Modi later introduced members of his Cabinet and other dignitaries to the visiting Japanese leader.
Japan’s Cabinet Public Relations Office thanked India for the reception and said the delegation was pleased to begin its visit. It also confirmed that the leaders would move from the welcome ceremony to their summit-level discussions.
Annual Summit to Review Broad Cooperation
Takaichi is visiting India from July 1 to July 3 at Modi’s invitation. A key part of her programme is the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, where the two governments are expected to assess progress in their bilateral engagement and set priorities for the coming years.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the summit will cover cooperation in strategic affairs, trade, technology, security and economic development. The leaders are also expected to exchange views on major regional and international developments that affect both nations.
The visit follows Modi’s trip to Tokyo in August 2025 for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. Since then, both sides have continued discussions on widening collaboration in sectors considered important for economic resilience and regional stability.
Investment, Technology and Supply Chains in Focus
Economic cooperation is likely to be among the main themes of the discussions. India and Japan are expected to explore ways to encourage fresh investment, support innovation and expand business links between companies in both countries.
Particular attention may be given to stronger supply chains in strategically important industries. Semiconductors and critical minerals are expected to feature prominently, as both countries seek to reduce vulnerabilities in global manufacturing networks and secure access to essential materials.
Officials are also expected to discuss opportunities for Japanese companies in India’s growing technology, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. The talks could help shape new initiatives involving industrial partnerships, research cooperation and skilled workforce development.
Security and Regional Connectivity Discussions
The leaders are likely to address maritime security and defence technology cooperation, especially against the backdrop of changing conditions in the Indo-Pacific region. India and Japan have steadily increased their security engagement in recent years through dialogue, joint exercises and defence-related exchanges.
Diplomatic sources have indicated that discussions may also include an Industrial Value Chain proposal linking the Bay of Bengal with India’s Northeast. The initiative could support connectivity, trade and industrial development across a wider regional corridor.
Such cooperation is expected to complement broader efforts by both governments to improve infrastructure links and promote stable, reliable economic routes in the region.
Business Forum to Bring Industry Leaders Together
Prime Minister Takaichi is also scheduled to attend the India-Japan Business Forum. The event will bring together government representatives, investors and industry leaders to examine opportunities for greater commercial cooperation.
The forum is expected to focus on investment, manufacturing partnerships, emerging technologies and trade expansion. It may also provide companies from both countries with a platform to identify new projects and strengthen existing business relationships.
The visit underlines the importance India and Japan place on their partnership as they respond to economic, technological and security challenges across the region and beyond.