PM Modi and PM Takaichi Strengthen Strategic Partnership and Indo-Pacific Cooperation at G20 Summit at Johannesburg

Johannesburg. November 23, 2025

On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, PM Modi and Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held their first in-person bilateral meeting on November 23. The discussion marked a new chapter in the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to deeper cooperation in technology, security, and regional stability.

Strengthening India–Japan Strategic Relations

PM Modi congratulated Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on assuming office, expressing satisfaction at meeting face-to-face. PM Takaichi conveyed her gratitude and extended heartfelt condolences for the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Delhi, offering prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.

Both leaders emphasized that India–Japan relations rooted in shared values, civilizational ties, and mutual trust remain essential for regional and global peace, prosperity, and stability. Their discussion underscored the strategic importance of the partnership in the fast-changing geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.

Focus on Technology, Innovation, and Economic Security

Building on the Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade, PM Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s determination to achieve tangible results across critical sectors, including:

• Defense and security cooperation

• Trade and investment expansion

• SME growth and innovation

• Semiconductor collaboration

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) partnerships

• Critical minerals and supply-chain resilience

  
  

She highlighted Japan’s goal of harnessing the strengths of both nations to accelerate technological innovation, especially in semiconductors, AI, and emerging technologies for digital and economic policy coverage.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed these initiatives and expressed India’s readiness to advance concrete cooperation in these high-impact sectors. The leaders also stressed the growing importance of economic security, supply-chain diversification, and collaborative research to support long-term resilience.

PM Takaichi further extended strong support for the Global AI Summit that India will host in February 2026, signalling Japan’s commitment to shaping the global tech governance ecosystem alongside India.

Shared Vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

A key highlight of the meeting was the reaffirmation of both countries’ shared commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) tied to regional strategy and global diplomacy.

Both leaders agreed that maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific is vital as new security challenges continue to emerge. They reiterated that India and Japan are trusted partners whose cooperation is vital to safeguarding maritime security, promoting rules-based order, and ensuring resilient connectivity across the region.

Reviewing Progress Since the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit

The meeting also reviewed the progress made since the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, where significant outcomes were agreed upon across a wide spectrum of sectors. These include:

• Defense collaboration and military exchanges

• Infrastructure development including smart and green infrastructure

• Expansion of digital innovation and tech partnerships

• Semiconductor ecosystem development

• Boosting people-to-people exchanges and educational partnerships

The leaders emphasized the need for expeditious implementation of these outcomes to accelerate momentum across strategic and commercial arenas.

A Partnership Built on Trust, Vision, and Shared Global Priorities

During the discussion, both leaders highlighted that India and Japan remain valued partners and trusted friends, sharing a long history of goodwill and cooperation. Their partnership—characterized by strategic depth, economic synergy, and democratic values—stands as a pillar of stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

They agreed to remain in close communication and meet again at the earliest opportunity, signalling continued diplomatic engagement as both nations shape the next phase of their bilateral relationship.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in India–Japan Cooperation

This meeting at the G20 Summit 2025 sets the stage for a stronger, more resilient, and future-oriented India Japan partnership. With renewed focus on semiconductors, AI, economic security, defense cooperation, and Indo-Pacific strategy, the two nations are poised to deepen their role as leading democracies in the region.

As global challenges intensify, this comprehensive and forward-looking partnership reaffirms India and Japan’s shared commitment to peace, innovation, regional stability, and sustainable growth.