Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tokyo for a two-day official visit to Japan, where he was warmly greeted by members of the Indian diaspora. This visit, which takes place from August 29 to 30, marks his eighth trip to Japan and includes the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The summit aims to strengthen the special strategic and global partnership between the two countries, building on the progress made over the past 11 years.
In his departure statement, Modi expressed his anticipation that the visit would deepen the civilizational and cultural ties between India and Japan. He also highlighted the intent to explore new avenues for collaboration and to expand the scope and ambition of economic and investment ties. Cooperation in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, is also a key focus.
The Prime Minister is expected to secure investment pledges from Japan exceeding ¥10 trillion ($68 billion) during his visit. Both countries are also anticipated to sign an economic security pact that encompasses cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, and AI.
On the second day of his trip, Prime Ministers Modi and Ishiba are scheduled to travel to Sendai via high-speed train to visit a semiconductor facility. This visit underscores the focus on enhancing cooperation in critical technologies and supply chains. Furthermore, Modi is expected to engage with governors from various Japanese prefectures, fostering expanded interactions between Indian states and Japanese regions.
The visit also takes place against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics. Modi's Japan visit occurs amidst a downturn in India-US relations due to trade and tariff policies. In addition to his engagements in Japan, Modi will travel to Tianjin, China, to participate in the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) from August 31 to September 1. He looks forward to meeting President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. Modi has expressed confidence that his visits to Japan and China will advance India's national interests and contribute to regional and global peace, security, and sustainable development.
