Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, with both leaders agreeing to accelerate cooperation across innovation, defence, trade and talent mobility. This was their first meeting since Takaichi assumed office in October.
Leaders reaffirm Special Strategic and Global Partnership
Modi said the discussion was “productive”, noting that India and Japan were exploring ways to expand collaboration in areas including emerging technologies and skilled workforce exchange. He added that both nations were committed to boosting trade and strengthening a partnership “vital for a better planet”.
According to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders reaffirmed the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which rests on shared democratic values, civilisational links and a mutual commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
They underscored the need to intensify cooperation to promote regional stability and global peace, while aligning efforts to counter emerging security challenges.
Call for faster implementation of summit outcomes
The MEA said the leaders took stock of the progress achieved since the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit and called for expeditious implementation of decisions taken across sectors such as defence and security, SMEs, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, infrastructure development, innovation and people-to-people ties.
Both sides also exchanged views on key regional issues and global developments, reflecting their growing strategic convergence.
Trade expansion and major investment targets
Modi and Takaichi discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade and support ongoing business engagements. During Modi’s August visit to Japan, the two nations finalised 13 agreements and adopted the India–Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade.
Building on progress towards the 2022–2026 investment target of JPY 5 trillion, both countries have now set an ambitious goal of JPY 10 trillion (USD 68 billion) in private investment for the near future. The new target signals deeper economic engagement, especially in clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation technologies.
Japan backs India’s AI Summit in 2026
Prime Minister Takaichi expressed strong support for the AI Summit that India will host in February 2026. The leaders also discussed collaborative opportunities in strategic sectors amid rapidly evolving technological and geopolitical landscapes