Tokyo – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Japan, reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership between India and Japan, describing the two nations as a “force for peace, progress and stability in Asia and the world.” His remarks came ahead of the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Tokyo, marking the first official summit between PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
In an interview with Japan’s leading newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun, PM Modi said India and Japan are not merely close partners but also ancient civilizations, vibrant democracies, and major global economies that share a common strategic vision.
“I am delighted to be in Tokyo once again, this time for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. I warmly thank Prime Minister Ishiba for his gracious invitation. Over the past decade, our ties have scaled new heights since they were elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” Modi stated. “Our focus will be to strengthen security, enhance resilience, drive innovation and deliver prosperity for our peoples.”
The leaders’ agenda includes high-level talks on bilateral security, technological collaboration, trade, and cultural exchange. Later on Friday, both leaders held the official summit meeting and were scheduled for a working dinner to further discuss future avenues of cooperation.
This marks PM Modi’s eighth visit to Japan, his previous one being in May 2023. He also met PM Ishiba earlier this year during the G7 Summit in Canada and at the ASEAN-India Summit in Laos in 2024.
Deepening People-to-People Ties
In the interview, PM Modi highlighted the central role of people-to-people ties in the bilateral relationship, noting the respect Japanese professionals enjoy in India and the growing presence of the Indian diaspora in Japan.
“There is great receptivity toward our cultures and cuisines in both countries. Professionals from Japan are well respected in India and have built a niche for themselves,” Modi said. “Similarly, Indian IT and scientific professionals are making meaningful contributions globally. A greater presence of the Indian diaspora in Japan can stimulate new industries and fields of knowledge.”
PM Modi emphasized the importance of programs like Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) initiative and the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), which are helping Indian workers gain advanced manufacturing skills, contributing to India’s industrial growth and development goals.
He also stressed the need for enhanced language education to bridge cultural gaps and promote smoother collaboration between the two nations.
Warm Reception in Tokyo
PM Modi landed in Tokyo early Friday morning, where he was received by Japan’s Ambassador to India ONO Keiichi, India’s Ambassador to Japan Sibi George, and other senior officials. Upon arrival, he was warmly welcomed by members of the Indian community with traditional cultural performances and enthusiastic greetings.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi wrote, “Landed in Tokyo. As India and Japan continue to strengthen their developmental cooperation, I look forward to engaging with PM Ishiba and others during this visit, thus providing an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration.”
He also expressed his appreciation for the Indian diaspora, stating, “The stance of making significant contributions to Japanese society while continuing to preserve our cultural roots is truly worthy of praise.”
Next Stop: China for SCO Summit
Following his engagements in Japan, PM Modi will depart for Tianjin, China, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit from August 31 to September 1. In his departure statement, he expressed anticipation about meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
