Japan PM Takaichi Calls PM Modi, Hopes for Golden Chapter in India-Japan Ties
In a significant development signaling a renewed momentum in bilateral relations, Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held her first conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29, 2025. The two leaders expressed their commitment to deepening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, emphasizing shared values and mutual strategic interests.
A New Golden Chapter in Relations
Prime Minister Takaichi, Japan’s first woman premier, conveyed her intention to work closely with PM Modi to "open a new golden chapter" in the relationship between the two countries. This ambition builds on the "Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade" that was announced during Modi’s visit to Tokyo in August 2025.
Takaichi underscored that Japan and India would continue to collaborate in a broad array of sectors such as security, economy, investment, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. She reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” including efforts through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with Japan, Australia, India, and the United States.
Modi’s Response and Shared Goals
PM Modi congratulated Takaichi on her appointment and expressed optimism for strengthening bilateral ties by advancing tangible cooperation in multiple areas. In a post on the social media platform X, Modi described their phone call as “warm” and highlighted their shared vision focused on economic security, defense cooperation, and talent mobility.
Both leaders agreed that stronger ties between India and Japan are vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. The conversation marked a renewed emphasis on deepening their strategic partnership amid a complex geopolitical landscape.
Context: Regional Strategy and Indo-Pacific Policy
Takaichi’s rise to leadership comes at a time of escalating regional tensions, with Japan pledging to boost its defense spending to 2% of GDP earlier than planned. She affirmed that Japan’s alliance with the United States remains a cornerstone of its security policy but emphasized the importance of regional partnerships with India, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Interestingly, the conversation occurred as the US remained silent on the Quad’s future during President Donald Trump’s Asia tour, suggesting Japan and India’s mutual interest in maintaining and expanding their strategic cooperation independently.
Talent Mobility and Economic Cooperation
Ahead of this dialogue, reports indicate discussions underway to enhance mobility pathways for skilled Indian workers to contribute to Japan's workforce. Plans include facilitating up to 50,000 Indian professionals between 2025 and 2030, particularly in sectors requiring advanced skills such as software, AI, and robotics. This collaboration aligns with initiatives by both governments to innovate and strengthen economic ties synergistically.
The phone call between PM Modi and Prime Minister Takaichi marks a significant step in cementing India and Japan’s growing strategic partnership, with ambitions to open a "golden chapter" of cooperation that spans security, economic growth, innovation, and enhanced people-to-people connections. This partnership is poised to play a crucial role in fostering regional stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.