NEW DELHI: India and Japan on Thursday significantly upgraded their strategic ties, signing a landmark defence co-development pact and charting a comprehensive roadmap for economic security cooperation.
The agreements were announced following high-level summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi, focusing on semiconductor supply chains, critical technologies, and clean energy.
Addressing the media after the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the resilient nature of the bilateral relationship amidst a shifting global landscape.
“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. I am proud that the India-Japan partnership stands fully tested on this touchstone,” Modi said.
Welcoming Takaichi on her maiden official visit to India, Modi described her as a “foresighted and popular leader,” warmly referring to her as his “younger sister.” He also noted her roots in Japan’s Nara prefecture, highlighting India’s deep-rooted Buddhist linkages with the region.
The summit yielded a series of crucial bilateral agreements. Beyond the defence sector pact, New Delhi and Tokyo signed agreements to boost cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), metals, and energy.
“The convergence of Japan’s precision technology and India’s software capabilities will give a new momentum and strength to global AI development,” Modi stated, emphasizing the tech synergy between the two nations.
On the environmental and agricultural front, the Prime Minister announced the launch of the India-Japan Bio-Gas Initiative, under which 1,000 bio-gas and organic fertilizer plants will be set up across India.
Acknowledging Tokyo’s historic role in India’s domestic infrastructure and industrial modernization, Modi noted that both nations now rank among the five largest economies in the world.
“Japan has played an important role in India’s growth story. Today, through the Prime Minister’s visit, we are starting a new chapter in our global strategic partnership,” Modi said. “As the largest democratic region, we have taken several important initiatives. We will lead the way to peace and stability.”
