Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a significant journey to Japan, a close strategic partner, aiming to fortify bilateral ties. This visit comes at a crucial time, especially with India’s trade tensions with the US in the backdrop. Modi’s agenda is packed, highlighting the enduring friendship and shared vision between India and Japan.
Leaving for Tokyo on Thursday evening, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming discussions with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba. He emphasized their joint endeavor to invigorate collaboration, broaden the scope of economic and investment ties, and push for greater cooperation in new and emerging technologies. This sentiment sets the stage for the 15th annual summit, which both leaders will co-chair.
The Prime Minister is focused on shaping the next phase of India and Japan’s special strategic and global partnership. This partnership has seen steady and significant progress over the past eleven years, a testament to the strong bond between the two nations. Beyond economics and technology, Modi also hopes to strengthen the deep civilizational and cultural ties that connect the people of India and Japan. He believes these visits will significantly further national interests and priorities, contributing to peace, security, and sustainable development regionally and globally.
Upon his arrival at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo on Friday morning, the Prime Minister will dive straight into a series of engagements. These include attending a business event, meeting various Japanese dignitaries, and a unique ceremony where he will be presented with a traditional ‘daruma’ doll. This doll, named after the Indian concept of ‘dharma,’ will be presented by the chief priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-ji temple, symbolizing the cultural cross-pollination between the two nations.
Later on Friday, the much-anticipated annual summit with Prime Minister Ishiba begins. The focus keyword of this trip, Japan, will be central to many discussions. The following day, Saturday, will see Modi interact with the National Governors Association and attend a lunch hosted by the Japanese Prime Minister. A particularly interesting item on his itinerary is a tour of the Tokyo Electron factory, which he will undertake alongside Mr. Ishiba. This highlights the keen interest in technological collaboration and innovation.
Modi’s visit to Japan will also include a program outside Tokyo, possibly on Saturday, accompanied by Mr. Ishiba. This signifies the depth of his engagement and willingness to explore various facets of the host country. Later on Saturday afternoon, he will depart Tokyo for the Chinese port city of Tianjin to attend the SCO summit, demonstrating India’s diplomatic reach across multiple fronts.
The timing of this visit to Japan is particularly salient given India’s trade issues with the US. Japan has long been a US ally, and both nations, along with Australia, form the four-nation Quad mechanism. This powerful grouping is dedicated to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Both Japan and India have ongoing territorial disputes with China, whose military presence and assertiveness are increasingly felt in the Indo-Pacific. Despite these geopolitical complexities, bilateral ties between India and Japan have consistently grown stronger over the last two decades, underscoring a shared vision and mutual trust.
When questioned about the upcoming four-nation Quad summit to be hosted by India this year, and whether it would be a topic of discussion between the Indian and Japanese Prime Ministers, foreign secretary Vikram Misri provided insights. He affirmed that the Quad is a vital platform for advancing peace, stability, prosperity, and development in the Indo-Pacific. Both India and Japan highly value this forum and partnership. Misri expressed anticipation for continued cooperation with all Quad partners, confirming that the Quad would indeed be a significant subject during the Prime Ministers’ meeting in Japan.
Regarding defence cooperation with Japan, the foreign secretary mentioned ongoing discussions concerning specific platforms and other issues between designated agencies like India’s DRDO and Japan’s ATLA. These discussions are regular, with agendas constantly being refreshed, indicating sustained engagement on defence matters. This robust defence dialogue further strengthens the strategic alliance between the two countries. The unwavering focus on Japan and its importance in India’s foreign policy is clearly evident.
Echoing the sentiment of close bilateral strategic ties, Mr. Misri previously stated that India and Japan are two countries that share values, trust, and a unified strategic outlook on several issues. He also highlighted that during his visit to Japan, the Prime Minister will participate in a business leaders’ forum, bringing together key figures from Japanese and Indian industries. These crucial interactions are specifically designed to deepen the already significant trade, investment, and technology relationships that exist between India and Japan, fostering greater economic synergy and innovation. The diplomatic efforts in Japan are set to yield substantial results.