India, Japan unveil landmark initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties; PM Modi calls Takaichi his ‘younger sister’

PTI, July 1, 2026, New Delhi: India and Japan on Thursday unveiled a raft of landmark initiatives, including an economic partnership framework and a defence pact to co-develop military hardware, following summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi.

The major outcomes from the meeting included a declaration on economic security, a joint statement for cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, and a document to bolster engagement in the energy supply chain.

The two Prime Ministers carried out a comprehensive review of India-Japan ties in areas of trade and investment, economic security, energy, emerging technologies, defence, and people-to-people exchanges.

"The economies of India and Japan are complementary. From cultural values to modern technology, there is similarity in our thinking and approach as well," the Prime Minister said in his media statement.

"And above all, the foundation of our relations rests on unbreakable mutual trust," he said, reflecting the growing congruence in ties between the two countries.

Modi said the two sides have prepared a joint roadmap for economic security.

"Through this, we will strengthen supply chain resilience in strategic areas such as semiconductors, quantum, and advanced materials," the Prime Minister stated.

Modi said India and Japan have also taken several important decisions in the field of energy security.

"Through the India-Japan Bio-gas Initiative, we will set up one thousand bio-gas and organic fertiliser plants in India."

"This will give new strength to sustainability, prosperity, and rural livelihoods in India's villages," he said.

Both Modi and Takaichi witnessed the exchange of key MoUs and agreements spanning economic security, clean energy, critical technologies, and research and development.

India and Japan also agreed on a list of activities for celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said.

In his remarks, Modi also highlighted the strength and significance of India-Japan ties.

"Just a few days ago, at the G7 Summit, I had said that in today's atmosphere of global upheaval, mutual trust is our greatest strategic asset."

"And I am proud that the India-Japan partnership stands fully tested on this touchstone," he said.

Prime Minister Modi on Thursday addressed his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, as his "younger sister" and hailed her as a "visionary and popular leader" while delivering his statement during a joint press meet here.

Modi made the remarks in Hindi, and Takaichi, who heard its simultaneous translation in Japanese via a tech device, responded to this gesture with a warm smile.

Following summit talks between Modi and Takaichi at the Hyderabad House on Thursday, the two leaders addressed mediapersons.

"Your Excellency, and 'meri chhoti behen' (my younger sister) Prime Minister Takaichi, delegates of the two countries, members of the media, Namaskar! Konnichiwa," Modi said as he began his address.

Konnichiwa is a Japanese word used when greeting someone.