How will PM Modi and Takaichi enhance the Japan-India Special Strategic Partnership?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is committed to enhancing the Japan-India partnership.
- PM Modi's support highlights the importance of bilateral relations.
- The partnership aims for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Takaichi is the first woman elected as Japan's PM.
- Defence and security cooperation is a crucial aspect of this relationship.
Tokyo, Oct 24 (NationPress) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her eagerness to collaborate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in enhancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between Japan and India. On Friday, she conveyed her gratitude to PM Modi for his congratulatory message regarding her election as Prime Minister.
"I sincerely thank H.E. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, for the warm wishes on my selection as Prime Minister. I eagerly anticipate working alongside Your Excellency to advance the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership," Takaichi wrote on X.
This statement came in reply to PM Modi's congratulatory message on Tuesday. PM Modi expressed heartfelt congratulations to Takaichi on her election and indicated his desire to fortify the strategic partnership between both nations.
He emphasized that strengthening ties between India and Japan is crucial for ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
In a message on X, PM Modi stated, "Heartfelt congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan. I am excited to collaborate closely with you to further enhance the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Our growing relations are essential for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region and further afield."
Takaichi was elected as Japan's Prime Minister on Tuesday after a runoff election in Parliament, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She received 125 votes in the Upper House, just surpassing the simple majority needed for victory. Previously, she garnered 237 votes in the Lower House, exceeding the required majority of 233.
A former television anchor, Takaichi began her political journey in 1993, winning a seat in the Lower House as an independent. The 64-year-old politician currently represents her home prefecture of Nara. She joined Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party in 1996 and entered the Cabinet for the first time under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The relationship between India and Japan was elevated to a ‘Global Partnership’ in 2000, a ‘Strategic and Global Partnership’ in 2006, and a ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ in 2014, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The friendship between the two nations has a rich history rooted in mutual spiritual affinity and strong cultural connections.
The Defence and Security partnership is a vital aspect of India-Japan bilateral relations. In recent years, defence exchanges have strengthened due to a growing convergence on strategic issues, highlighting the importance of cooperation on peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.