New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi added a personal touch to India-Japan diplomatic ties on Thursday by referring to his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, as his “younger sister” during the joint press statement following the India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi.
The remark was warmly reciprocated by Takaichi, who said the two leaders had agreed to strengthen bilateral ties in the spirit of a brother-sister relationship.
Modi extends warm welcome
Opening his address, Prime Minister Modi said, “Excellency and my younger sister, Prime Minister Takaichi, delegates from both nations, and members of the media, Namaskar.”
Welcoming Takaichi on her first official visit to India since assuming office, Modi described her as Japan’s first woman Prime Minister and a visionary leader.
He also highlighted her roots in Nara Prefecture, noting its historical connection to the shared Buddhist heritage between India and Japan.
Partnership founded on trust
Prime Minister Modi said the India-Japan partnership is built on mutual trust, describing it as the strongest pillar of the two countries’ Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
He acknowledged Japan’s longstanding contribution to India’s economic development, particularly in sectors such as automobiles, electronics and infrastructure.
Modi said Takaichi’s visit marked the beginning of a “new chapter” in bilateral relations as both countries seek to expand cooperation amid evolving global challenges.
Takaichi welcomes the gesture
Responding during the joint press interaction, Prime Minister Takaichi warmly acknowledged Modi’s remarks.
“You called me a beautiful younger sister, Prime Minister Modi, but at the small meeting before the big meeting, we confirmed that we are on the same page and will develop this relationship as brother and sister,” she said.
Takaichi emphasised that India and Japan should build on each other’s strengths to achieve greater prosperity and resilience at a time of global uncertainty.
Strategic cooperation in focus
The Japanese Prime Minister said the two leaders reaffirmed three key priorities during their discussions, including strengthening strategic cooperation between the two nations.
She highlighted the convergence between Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision and India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative, saying both frameworks aim to promote regional stability, maritime security and resilience.
The leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, technology and other strategic sectors.
Three-day visit to India
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi accorded Takaichi a ceremonial welcome in New Delhi.
The Japanese Prime Minister, who arrived in India on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, was received by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.
The visit is expected to further strengthen the longstanding India-Japan partnership through enhanced collaboration in economic, strategic and geopolitical areas.
With both leaders emphasising trust, shared democratic values and closer people-to-people ties, the summit is expected to lay the foundation for the next phase of bilateral cooperation.