New Delhi, July 2: Amid rising global uncertainties, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi emphasized the need for deeper mutual cooperation between Japan and India. Speaking at a joint press conference after discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, she expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and was delighted by PM Modi referring to her as his “little sister.”
She stated that both nations share a similar perspective and are committed to strengthening their sibling-like relationship.
“Japan and India should leverage their strengths to become stronger and more prosperous together. It has become increasingly essential to foster cooperative relations in international affairs,” PM Takaiichi remarked.
The two leaders discussed various issues and solidified several shared goals for their partnership. In this context, she identified three specific areas to guide their cooperation.
“First, we aim to deepen strategic cooperation between Japan and India. Both countries share a similar view on the profile of the international order amid current global conditions. I recently announced an updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, focusing on self-reliance and resilience to fulfill the FOIP vision,” she explained.
“On the other hand, PM Modi sees the ocean as a space that contributes to regional stability and development. He is promoting the Great Ocean initiative to enable countries across the Indian Ocean to safeguard their sovereignty and marine resources, which is fully aligned with the FOIP,” she added.
The Japanese Prime Minister noted that both sides agreed to further deepen strategic cooperation to achieve common goals.
“Enhancing maritime security cooperation is particularly crucial for regional peace and stability. Taking advantage of our visit, a destroyer from Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and an Indian Navy vessel are planning a joint operation. We will increase exercises in the Indian Ocean, promote naval maintenance and repair, and strengthen equipment cooperation under the Make in India framework,” she stated.
Referencing PM Modi’s ‘Developed India’ initiative, aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, PM Takaiichi highlighted their shared goal of strengthening their countries through future-oriented investments.
“This year marks the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, and I wish to use this occasion to bring our peoples closer together. As reliable partners with a shared strategic vision under the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership, I believe our relations are entering a new phase. I eagerly await welcoming PM Modi in Japan next time,” she concluded.
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