Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a highly productive bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The discussion focused on accelerating cooperation across key strategic sectors, including innovation, defence, talent mobility, investment, and emerging technologies.
This meeting was particularly significant as it marked the first interaction between the two leaders since Prime Minister Takaichi took office in October.
Reaffirming the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both leaders reiterated their commitment to the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. This partnership is built on:
- Strong civilizational ties
- Shared democratic values
- Mutual goodwill
- A joint vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific
The leaders emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation to promote regional and global peace, prosperity, and stability.
Focus Areas: Innovation, Defence, Trade and Talent Mobility
Prime Minister Modi shared the highlights of the meeting on social media, noting that both countries are eager to add momentum to existing bilateral frameworks. During the discussions, the leaders explored:
- Defence and Security Collaboration
- Advanced Innovation and Technology Partnerships
- Improving Talent Mobility between India and Japan
- Expanding Trade and Investment
PM Modi added that strengthening trade ties is crucial for global progress, stressing that a robust India–Japan partnership is “vital for a better planet.”
Progress Since the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit
The leaders also reviewed the progress made since the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit, where several significant outcomes were agreed upon. Areas showing strong advancement include:
- Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology
- Critical Minerals and Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects
- Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- People-to-People Exchanges and Skill Development
Both leaders called for faster implementation of these initiatives to unlock mutually beneficial opportunities.
Japan’s Support for India’s 2026 AI Summit
Prime Minister Takaichi expressed strong support for the AI Summit that India will host in February 2026. This endorsement further highlights the growing alignment between India and Japan in next-generation technologies such as:
- AI and Automation
- Clean and Green Energy
- Digital Transformation
- Smart Infrastructure
Major Agreements and Vision for the Next Decade
During PM Modi’s visit to Japan in August, both nations finalized 13 key agreements and declarations, marking a major step forward in bilateral cooperation.
A landmark development was the adoption of the India–Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap for deeper strategic engagement.
Investment Milestones
- Japan had earlier committed JPY 5 trillion (2022–2026) in public and private investment in India.
- Building on this progress, both leaders have now set an ambitious new goal of JPY 10 trillion (USD 68 billion) in private investment for the near future.
This enhanced investment target highlights Japan’s long-term confidence in India’s economic potential, particularly in:
- Clean energy solutions
- Semiconductor ecosystems
- Digital innovation
- Manufacturing and infrastructure
A Strengthened Partnership for the Future
The meeting in Johannesburg reaffirmed that the India–Japan partnership is one of Asia’s strongest democratic alliances. As both countries work toward sustainable development, technological advancement, and a secure Indo-Pacific, this relationship is set to grow even more influential in shaping global outcomes.
With shared vision and strategic resolve, India and Japan are paving the way for a dynamic and transformative decade of cooperation.