Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India wasted no time in celebrating Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi’s electoral landslide, terming it a ‘historic win.’ His Sunday post on X highlighted the enduring strength of the bilateral partnership.
‘Congratulations Sanae Takaiichi on your historic win in the House of Representatives elections! Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership plays a crucial role in promoting global peace, stability & prosperity. Confident that under your able leadership, we will take India-Japan friendship to new heights,’ the post stated.
This comes months after their productive sideline meeting at the Johannesburg G20 on November 23. Topics ranged from ramping up defense collaborations to fostering innovation and easing talent flows between the two economies.
Modi had then posted: ‘Meaningful meeting with Japan’s PM Sanae Takaiichi. Discussed accelerating cooperation in innovation, defence, talent mobility & more. Strengthening trade ties too. India-Japan partnership vital for a better planet.’
Takaiichi’s LDP shone in exit polls from Sunday’s polls, set off by her unprecedented January 23 dissolution of the Lower House – the first such action in 60 years during a session’s kickoff. Projections show LDP securing outright majority, with ally Komeito pushing totals to 366 seats.
As Japan’s first female PM, Takaiichi’s win reinforces LDP’s grip despite coalition dynamics. It arrives at a juncture when Japan eyes assertive regional postures.
From New Delhi’s lens, this stability in Tokyo bodes well for ongoing initiatives like infrastructure projects under India-Japan Act East Forum and high-tech investments. Modi’s message not only felicitates a key ally but also signals intent to deepen strategic convergences in an era of flux.
Future summits and deals could fast-track bullet train extensions, rare earth supplies, and AI research pacts, cementing a friendship that’s stood the test of time.