Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s newly elected and first woman Prime Minister. He said that the growing partnership between India and Japan is important for maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

On X, PM Modi wrote, “Heartiest congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Our deepening ties are vital for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

Sanae Takaichi, the leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, was elected Prime Minister by Parliament on Tuesday, becoming the first woman in Japan’s history to hold this position.

As reported by Kyodo News, the 64-year-old leader secured 237 of 465 votes in the Lower House, defeating Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who received 149 votes. Her clear victory in the first round meant she did not need a runoff.

After her election, Takaichi addressed members of the Liberal Democratic Party and shared her vision of rebuilding Japan through unity and consistent effort from every generation.

“I will keep my promises. We can only rebuild by reuniting every generation and through everyone’s participation,” she said. “Because there are only a few of us, I ask everybody to work – work like a horse. I myself will cast aside the idea of ‘work-life balance.’ I’ll work, work, work, work, and work.”

She encouraged both lawmakers and citizens to give their best in their respective areas and added, “To rebuild Japan and the LDP, we must each work with humility. I, too, will do so – please guide me as I take on this responsibility.”

As Japan’s new Prime Minister, Takaichi now faces major challenges- reviving the struggling economy, restoring public trust after scandals linked to the ruling party, and maintaining unity within the Liberal Democratic Party.

On Monday, Takaichi also signed a formal political cooperation agreement with Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of the Japan Innovation Party, showing her intent to expand political alliances as she begins her tenure.