Can Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi and Modi Open a New Golden Chapter in Their Strategic Partnership?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sanae Takaichi aims to enhance Japan-India ties.
- Discussions focused on economic security and defense cooperation.
- The Quad partnership is integral to their strategy.
- Both leaders emphasize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
- This partnership is pivotal for global peace and stability.
Tokyo, Oct 29 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, on Wednesday expressed her eagerness to collaborate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to embark on a new golden chapter in the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between their nations.
During a telephonic exchange lasting approximately 25 minutes, Takaichi emphasized Japan's commitment to achieving a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" through collaboration with the Quad.
A statement from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs later clarified, "Initially, Prime Minister Takaichi noted that, given the shared fundamental values and strategic interests of both countries, Japan aims to work towards realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific", including through the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad). Takaichi also highlighted that, in line with the Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade introduced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan last August, Japan plans to enhance cooperation across a variety of sectors, such as security, economy, investment, innovation, and cultural exchanges. She reiterated her desire to collaborate with Prime Minister Modi to commence a new golden chapter in the 'Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership'.
PM Modi congratulated Takaichi on her new role and expressed anticipation for further strengthening bilateral ties through tangible cooperation across diverse sectors. This conversation marked the first interaction between the two leaders since Takaichi took office.
"I had a discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and appreciated his congratulatory message regarding my appointment as Prime Minister of Japan. Together, I aspire to initiate a new golden chapter in the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership," Takaichi shared on X.
Earlier, PM Modi mentioned that their discussion included a shared vision for enhancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, focusing on economic security, defense cooperation, and talent mobility.
“I had a warm exchange with Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. I congratulated her on her new position and we discussed our mutual vision for advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, specifically in the realms of economic security, defense collaboration, and talent mobility. We concurred that stronger India–Japan relations are essential for global peace, stability, and prosperity,” PM Modi stated on X.
Last week, Takaichi reiterated her dedication to collaborating with PM Modi to further bolster the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between their nations, expressing gratitude for his congratulations following her election as Japan’s new PM. Her remarks were a direct response to PM Modi's message of goodwill.
"Thank you very much, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, for your warm congratulations on my election as Prime Minister. I look forward to partnering with you to enhance the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership," Takaichi remarked on X.
Sanae Takaichi was elected as Japan's Prime Minister on October 21, following a runoff election in Parliament. She is the first woman to hold this position in Japan, securing 125 votes in the Upper House, just above the simple majority required for victory. In the Lower House, she garnered 237 votes, surpassing the necessary majority of 233.