New Delhi, July 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi held a joint press conference today, emphasizing their commitment to strengthening the partnership between India and Japan. During the event, PM Modi affectionately referred to Takaiichi as “little sister.”
PM Modi expressed his delight in welcoming Takaiichi on her first visit to India for the India-Japan summit. He noted that she is Japan’s first female Prime Minister and a visionary leader. Modi stated, “I believe that our technology partnership will be the strongest pillar of our cooperation. Today, we have issued a joint statement in the field of AI to realize this vision.”
He highlighted Takaiichi’s roots in Nara Prefecture, a center of shared Buddhist heritage, and mentioned that during the G7 summit, he referred to this partnership as a global strategic asset amidst turbulent times. Over the past decades, Japan has played a crucial role in India’s growth story, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors, building a foundation of friendship and trust. With Takaiichi’s visit, they are embarking on a new chapter in their special strategic and global partnership.
PM Modi emphasized that both countries are economically strong, stating that India and Japan are among the largest economies in the world. He reiterated their shared priority for a free, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
Discussing investments in technology, he remarked, “The fusion of Japan’s precision technology and India’s software capabilities will propel global AI development. Today, we have signed an agreement on the first co-development project in defense between India and Japan. Our partnership as investors is continuously strengthening, with around 120 new business agreements in the past year, resulting in over $10 billion in Japanese investments in India.”
Earlier, PM Modi and PM Takaiichi held a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. They discussed various topics, including investment, defense, semiconductors, critical minerals, supply chains, maritime security, and regional-global issues. This meeting is part of the 16th annual India-Japan summit. Takaiichi was formally welcomed at the Presidential Palace and received a guard of honor.
This marks Takaiichi’s first visit to India since taking office. During her three-day trip, she will also participate in the India-Japan Business Forum, focusing on enhancing investment and economic cooperation between the two nations.
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