Bilateral Meeting: India and Japan Leaders

Bilateral Meeting: India-Japan Relations

• Participants: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (India) and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (Japan).
• Event: Meeting during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Previous Communication: First meeting since their telephone discussion on 29 October 2025.

Key Outcomes and Agreements:

• Bilateral Significance:

  • Reaffirmed the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
  • Emphasized values of civilizational connection, mutual goodwill, and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

• Areas of Collaboration:

  • Defense and security.
  • Trade and investment.
  • Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • Critical minerals and semiconductors.
  • Infrastructure development.
  • Technology and innovation.
  • People-to-people exchanges.

• Milestones for Implementation:

  • Acknowledged progress in bilateral ties during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.
  • Called for expedited implementation of agreed outcomes in various sectors.

Strategic Initiatives:

• AI Summit 2026: Prime Minister Takaichi expressed strong support for the AI Summit to be hosted by India in February 2026, signifying the emphasis on technology collaboration.

Geopolitical Context:

• Both leaders highlighted the importance of their partnership for regional and global peace, prosperity, and stability.
• Recognition of India and Japan as trusted partners within the context of current global dynamics.

Follow-Up:

• Agreement to maintain communication and seek to meet again at the earliest opportunity, indicating a commitment to ongoing dialogue and strengthening of bilateral ties.

This meeting underscores the significance of cooperative global governance, especially amid evolving geopolitical challenges.