Tokyo, August 29, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tokyo today for a two-day official visit to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, signaling India’s commitment to deepening ties with Japan amid evolving global dynamics. Upon landing, Modi expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Landed in Tokyo. As India and Japan continue to strengthen their developmental cooperation, I look forward to engaging with PM Ishiba and others during this visit, thus providing an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration.”

Invited by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Modi’s eighth visit to Japan since 2014 underscores the robust Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nations. This summit, his first bilateral meeting with Ishiba, comes at a pivotal moment as India seeks to counterbalance strained U.S. relations following President Donald Trump’s imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods.

Vibrant Welcome by Indian Diaspora

At Haneda International Airport, PM Modi was warmly received by Japan’s Ambassador to India, ONO Keiichi, India’s Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, and senior officials. The Indian diaspora greeted him with cultural performances, including Bollywood’s Jai Ho and traditional Kathak dances. Japanese artists also joined, with one group reciting the Gayatri Mantra and others performing Rajasthani folk songs in traditional attire. A Japanese Bharatnatyam performer shared, “Meeting PM Modi and performing for him was an honor. His presence inspires us.”

Diaspora member Anil Sharma remarked, “PM Modi’s visit strengthens India-Japan bonds. His vision for a developed India resonates with us.” Another community member, Priya Patel, added, “This is his eighth visit, and each time, he brings us closer to Japan. We’re proud to see India shine globally.”

Summit Focus: Deepening Economic and Strategic Ties

The 15th India-Japan Summit will see Modi and Ishiba review bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, technology, and cultural exchanges. Key priorities include:

• Economic Growth: Japan is set to commit $68 billion in investments to India over the next decade, focusing on AI, semiconductors, clean energy, and critical minerals. Bilateral trade reached $22.8 billion in 2023-24, with over 1,400 Japanese firms operating in India.
• Technology Collaboration: The leaders will discuss advancements in AI, semiconductors, and supply chain resilience. On August 30, Modi and Ishiba will visit a semiconductor facility in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, via a high-speed train, highlighting technological synergy. An agreement on E-10 coaches for India’s Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train by 2030 is also on the table.
• Defense and Security: The summit will upgrade the 2008 Security Cooperation Declaration, introducing provisions for defense acquisitions and a new “Economic Security” framework to ensure robust supply chains.
• Quad and Indo-Pacific: Discussions will reinforce the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• Nuclear Cooperation: The 2016 nuclear agreement will be reviewed, emphasizing nuclear safety and clean energy.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected, alongside a “2035 Vision Statement” to guide the partnership, building on the 2025 Vision set by Modi and former PM Shinzo Abe.

Engaging Business and Culture

On day one, Modi will address the India-Japan Economic Forum, meeting executives from companies like Sony, Hitachi, and Mitsubishi. He highlighted India’s investment potential, stating, “In India, capital multiplies, driven by our reforms and stability.” JETRO’s Executive Vice President, Kazuya Nakajo, noted that over 80% of Japanese firms in India plan expansion.

Modi will also meet Japanese political leaders and receive a Daruma Doll from the Shorinzan Daruma Temple’s Chief Priest, symbolizing goodwill. The Miyagi Prefecture visit on August 30 will spotlight technological collaboration.

Strategic Context

Following the Japan visit, Modi will attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, on August 31, engaging with leaders like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. The Tokyo visit is crucial as India navigates global economic challenges and strengthens its Indo-Pacific role. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized, “This summit will deepen our friendship with Japan and advance shared goals for peace and prosperity.”

A Partnership Rooted in History

India and Japan share deep cultural and democratic ties, with Japan as India’s fifth-largest FDI source ($43.2 billion until December 2024) and 665 academic collaborations. The summit aims to elevate cooperation in economic security, clean energy, and digital innovation, positioning India as a global leader.

For more on PM Modi’s visit and India’s global outreach, visit www.bharattone.com.