Tokyo, Oct 21 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his warmest congratulations to Sanae Takaichi on her recent election as Japan's Prime Minister, emphasizing his eagerness to enhance the strategic alliance between India and Japan.

On Tuesday, Takaichi was elected as Japan's new Prime Minister following a runoff election in Parliament, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold this esteemed position.

The Upper House confirmed Takaichi's elevation as Prime Minister, securing 125 votes—just exceeding the simple majority required for victory. Earlier, she had garnered 237 votes in the Lower House, surpassing the necessary majority of 233.

In a message shared on X, PM Modi stated, "Heartfelt congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your election as Japan's Prime Minister. I look forward to collaborating closely with you to further reinforce the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The deepening of our ties is crucial for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."

A former television anchor, Takaichi embarked on her political journey in Japan in 1993, winning a seat in the Lower House as an independent. The 64-year-old currently represents her home prefecture of Nara.

Joining Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party in 1996, Takaichi first entered the Cabinet under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, serving as the Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs. She later became the first woman to chair the LDP's Policy Research Council.

From 2022 to 2024, she held the position of Japan’s Economic Security Minister and is noted for being the longest-serving Minister for Internal Affairs, a role she has fulfilled across multiple tenures.

Takaichi, a prominent advocate for the LDP’s conservative wing, was elected leader of the LDP on Saturday with 185 votes, defeating Shinjiro Shinjiro, who secured 156 votes in a runoff after initial voting failed to yield a majority.

As Prime Minister, she will complete the remaining term of former PM Shigeru Ishiba, which concludes in September 2027.

Following Saturday's vote, former Justice Minister Midori Matsushima, one of the 20 lawmakers who supported Takaichi's candidacy, expressed joy at witnessing the election of the country's first female Prime Minister. Matsushima remarked, "The first female Prime Minister is here. I am thrilled to witness this moment. I hope this inspires many young women and individuals like her, who did not come from political families, and were raised in areas disconnected from politics," as reported by the Japan Times.

In light of years marked by sluggish growth, escalating prices, and a significant depreciation of the yen, the public’s mood weighs heavily on the ruling party, which faces increased scrutiny following its recent defeats.

With the ruling coalition losing its historical dominance, the upcoming challenges are daunting: uniting a divided party, managing minority governance, and persuading a skeptical electorate that the LDP can still provide stable leadership.