Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that mutual trust between nations was the greatest strategic asset in times of geopolitical uncertainties. PM Modi was speaking during a joint press statement along with Japanese counterpart in New Delhi.
“Just a few days ago at the G7 Summit, I remarked that in today’s climate of global turbulence, mutual trust is our greatest strategic asset; I am proud that the India-Japan partnership fully lives up to this standard,” PM Modi said.
Takaichi’s three-day visit to India comes amid rising uncertainties in the global arena. Under these circumastances, the collaboration with India becomes even more pertinent.
Quick answers to key questions
What are the main objectives of the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit?⌵
The main objectives include strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors such as trade, investment, defense, and technology, while also addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Why is mutual trust emphasized by PM Modi during his talks with Japan?⌵
PM Modi highlighted mutual trust as a strategic asset in times of geopolitical uncertainty, essential for enhancing the India-Japan partnership against the backdrop of rising global challenges.
How are India and Japan planning to collaborate on artificial intelligence?⌵
India and Japan are set to strengthen their technological partnership through a joint statement focusing on AI, with key institutions from India’s AI ecosystem signing agreements with Japanese partners.
What new initiatives were discussed during PM Takaichi’s visit to India?⌵
New initiatives discussed include an Action Plan for human resource exchange, a joint declaration on defense cooperation, and agreements in sectors such as AI, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals.
Should India and Japan prioritize their strategic partnership amidst global uncertainty?⌵
Yes, both leaders believe that prioritizing their strategic partnership is crucial for navigating economic and security challenges while promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
PM Modi also said that over the past few decades, spanning sectors from automotive to electronics, Japan has played a pivotal role in India’s growth story, building an invaluable bond of friendship and trust. “Today, with Prime Minister Takaichi’s visit, we are embarking on a new chapter in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” he said.
Earlier PM Modi held summit talks with Takaichi in New Delhi. The talks focused on expanding economic ties, enhancing resilient supply chains for semiconductors and boosting cooperation in critical technologies between the two nations.
PM Modi said that the two leaders believe that a technology partnership will become the strongest pillar of our cooperation. “To realise this vision, we have also issued a joint statement today regarding the field of AI. Several key institutions within the Indian AI ecosystem have also signed agreements with their Japanese partners today. The convergence of Japan’s precision technology and India’s software capabilities will impart new momentum and strength to global AI development,” he said.
The Indian delegation during the talks included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, among other officials.
The talks marked another step in further strengthening the special partnership built on trust. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were also present alongside other officials.
Earlier, the Japanese PM Takaichi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. She is on a three-day visit to India.
There has been an upswing in India-Japan ties. The relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014.
As the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of the establishment of , cooperation continues to deepen across a wide range of sectors, including trade and investment, economic security, defence and security, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people ties. The bilateral framework now comprises over 70 dialogue mechanisms.
PM Modi visited Japan for the 15th in Tokyo in August last year.
The annual summit remains the flagship platform driving the strategic agenda of the partnership.
The Japanese leader is in India to participate in the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, which is expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Here are the top quotes from PM Modi’s remarks during the joint press statements:
1- Just a few days ago at the , I remarked that in today’s climate of global turbulence, mutual trust is our greatest strategic asset; I am proud that the India-Japan partnership fully lives up to this standard.
2- Over the past few decades, spanning sectors from automotive to electronics, Japan has played a pivotal role in India’s growth story, building an invaluable bond of friendship and trust. Today, with , we are embarking on a new chapter in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
3 – Prime Minister Takaichi and I believe that a technology partnership will become the strongest pillar of our cooperation. To realise this vision, we have also issued a joint statement today regarding the field of AI. Several key institutions within the Indian AI ecosystem have also signed agreements with their today. The convergence of Japan’s precision technology and India’s software capabilities will impart new momentum and strength to global AI development,”
4- In the defence sector, we have signed an agreement today on the first co-development project between India and Japan. This project—involving the Naval Radio Antenna ‘Unicorn’ will open a new chapter in our defence technology partnership. We will now jointly develop defense technologies that strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and the rules-based order. Through the agreements signed today in the fields of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology, we will also contribute to global health security.
5- By combining India’s scale with Japan’s quality, we will work towards delivering affordable, reliable, and advanced health solutions to the world.
6-Today, both India and Japan are among the world’s largest economies. A free, prosperous, and rules-based is our shared priority.
7-As the region’s largest democratic and market economies, we have undertaken several significant initiatives today. Together, these will pave the way for peace, stability, and progress across the entire region…”
(With agency inputs)
