Tokyo, Feb 9 (NationPress) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his kind wishes following her electoral victory. She emphasized her eagerness to collaborate with him to enhance the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between Japan and India.

"I sincerely appreciate Prime Minister Narendra Modi for your heartfelt congratulations on my success in the House of Representatives election. I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside you to reinforce the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between our nations and collaborate towards realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)," Takaichi posted on X.

The statement from the Japanese PM was a direct reply to Modi's congratulatory message on X after Takaichi's victory in Japan's House of Representatives election. PM Modi expressed his confidence that their partnership would continue to uplift the India-Japan relationship.

"Congratulations Sanae Takaichi on your significant electoral victory! Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership is crucial for promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity. I am optimistic that under your leadership, we will further elevate the India-Japan friendship," PM Modi wrote on X.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party achieved a remarkable two-thirds majority in the recent House of Representatives election, becoming the first party in postwar Japan to surpass the two-thirds threshold of 310 seats in the 465-member lower house. The increase from 198 seats was largely attributed to Takaichi's popularity, positioning her for continued leadership as Japan's PM, according to Japan's Kyodo News.

In November, PM Modi held a bilateral discussion with Takaichi during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, focusing on enhancing collaboration in fields such as innovation, defense, and talent mobility.

Describing the meeting as productive, PM Modi remarked that a strong India-Japan partnership is essential for a better world. This was their first meeting since Takaichi assumed office as Japan's PM.

"I had a productive conversation with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan. We explored ways to accelerate cooperation in areas such as innovation, defense, and talent mobility. We also aim to strengthen trade relations between our countries. A robust India-Japan partnership is crucial for a better planet," PM Modi communicated on X.

Takaichi, elected as Japan's Prime Minister in October last year after a runoff election, is notably the first woman to hold this office in Japan.