Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, focusing on boosting cooperation across key strategic and economic sectors.
Calling the discussion “productive,” PM Modi said the two leaders exchanged views on accelerating collaboration in innovation, defence, talent mobility and trade. This was their first meeting since Takaichi assumed office as Japan’s Prime Minister.
“Had a productive meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan. We discussed ways to add momentum to bilateral cooperation in areas such as innovation, defence, talent mobility and more. We are also looking to enhance trade ties between our nations. A strong India-Japan partnership is vital for a better planet,” PM Modi wrote on X.
The two leaders had earlier spoken by phone on October 29, with Modi congratulating Takaichi on taking office and both reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Their conversation focused on economic security, defence cooperation and enhanced mobility for skilled professionals.
Takaichi, during that call, emphasised Japan’s intent to work with India to promote a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” including through the Quad, according to a statement from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also expressed a desire to open what she described as a new “golden chapter” in bilateral relations.
In the run-up to the Johannesburg meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu on October 27 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The ministers discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and agreed to closely implement the joint vision for the next decade of India–Japan partnership. Jaishankar said the talks reflected the “strength and warmth” of the strategic relationship.
