Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Thursday, 3 July 2025, as part of the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. The high-level meeting covered the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and key regional and global issues of mutual concern.

A Ceremonial Start to the Summit

Before the talks commenced, the two leaders shared a warm reception. PM Takaichi notably bowed to the national flags of both India and Japan as she and PM Modi walked toward the meeting room — a gesture that set a respectful tone for the summit. Earlier in the day, Takaichi was accorded a formal ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

This is PM Takaichi's first official visit to India since assuming office. She arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday evening, kicking off a three-day official visit. Upon her arrival, she was received by Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh.

What Takaichi Said Before Departing Tokyo

Prior to her departure from Tokyo, PM Takaichi outlined three priority areas for the visit. 'Through this visit, I hope to advance concrete cooperation with Prime Minister Modi in three key areas: deepening the Japan-India strategic partnership in light of the current international situation; promoting cooperation in economic security; and strengthening collaboration between businesses of our two countries in investment and innovation,' she told reporters.

She also highlighted the significance of private-sector engagement, noting that the Japan-India Joint Economic Forum was being held alongside the summit, with representatives from more than 150 Japanese companies and business organisations participating. 'Working together with the private sector, I hope to broaden the scope of Japan-India cooperation and realise a strong economy,' she added.

Indo-Pacific Security and the Quad Framework

A central theme of PM Takaichi's visit is the shared responsibility of India and Japan in maintaining peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. She specifically flagged the goal of realising a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and indicated that cooperation through the Quad framework would feature in discussions with PM Modi.

'India, along with Japan, is one of Asia's leading democracies and shares responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,' Takaichi said. She also expressed hope that the visit would 'further deepen the personal trust' between the two leaders, given that it comes at the invitation of PM Modi.

Significance of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as 'an important step in taking forward the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan.' The annual summit format — now in its 16th edition — reflects the institutionalised depth of the bilateral relationship, which spans defence, infrastructure, technology, and economic cooperation.

Notably, this summit arrives amid a shifting global order, with both nations navigating evolving geopolitical pressures in the Indo-Pacific. The outcome of the talks, including any joint statements or new agreements, is expected to be announced before PM Takaichi concludes her three-day visit.