Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday and congratulated her on taking charge as Japan’s first woman leader. During their conversation, both leaders spoke about their shared vision of strengthening cooperation between India and Japan. They agreed that a stronger partnership between the two countries is crucial for peace, stability, and prosperity across the world.

Sharing the details of their discussion on X, PM Modi said, “Had a warm conversation with Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. Congratulated her on assuming office and discussed our shared vision for advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with focus on economic security, defence cooperation and talent mobility. We agreed that stronger India-Japan ties are vital for global peace, stability and prosperity.”

Earlier, on October 21, PM Modi had extended his congratulations to Takaichi after her election as Japan’s first woman Prime Minister. He said that the growing bond between India and Japan will play a key role in maintaining peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

PM Modi said in a post on X, “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.”

Responding to his message, PM Takaichi wrote on X, “I look forward to working with Your Excellency to further promote the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership.”

Before taking office, Takaichi had said her government would strengthen multilateral dialogue with India and other countries such as South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia. She also spoke about promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” especially as China continues to expand its military presence in the region, according to state media reports.

Describing Japan’s alliance with the United States as the “cornerstone” of its foreign and security policy, Takaichi added that China remains an “important neighbour” with whom Japan should maintain “constructive and stable” relations while pursuing a “strategic and mutually beneficial” partnership.

In her first policy address to Japan’s Parliament after taking office, Takaichi announced her plan to increase defence spending to 2 per cent of the country’s GDP by March, two years ahead of the original 2027 target, Kyodo reported.

She also said her government would follow a bold fiscal approach to support the economy. The 64-year-old Liberal Democratic Party leader, who has made history as Japan’s first woman Prime Minister, said tackling the rising cost of living would remain her government’s “top priority.”