Overview
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Japan's Sanae Takaichi, congratulated her on taking office, and agreed to deepen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership with focus on economic security, defense cooperation, and talent mobility, with both leaders posting the exchange on X.
- The two leaders said stronger India–Japan ties are essential for global peace, stability, and prosperity.
- Takaichi was elected on October 21 as Japan’s first woman prime minister, securing narrow majorities in both houses of parliament.
- In her first policy address, Takaichi pledged to raise defense spending to 2 percent of GDP by March, two years ahead of the current target, and affirmed the U.S. alliance as Japan’s cornerstone.
- She leads a minority government after Komeito withdrew support, relying on a pact with the Japan Innovation Party.