Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, calling India-Japan relations “vital for regional and global peace.” Modi said he looks forward to strengthening the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nations.

“India and Japan’s deepening ties are vital for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” Modi said in a post on X, expressing optimism about working closely with Takaichi.

Takaichi, 64, was formally elected Japan’s first woman Prime Minister after winning the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership vote. Known for her hard-line stance on China and strong national security policies, she is expected to pursue a more assertive Indo-Pacific strategy and reinforce cooperation within the Quad alliance (India, Japan, the U.S., and Australia).

Former Indian Ambassador to Japan Deepa Wadhwa noted that Takaichi, a protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, would likely continue Abe’s Indo-Pacific vision and strengthen Quad cooperation.

Modi and Takaichi are expected to speak soon and may meet during the upcoming ASEAN and East Asia Summits, where leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will also attend.

Observers expect Takaichi to deepen defense, technology, and economic security cooperation with India. However, analysts caution that her conservative immigration stance could slow progress on the India-Japan Human Resource Exchange Plan, which aims to facilitate two-way mobility of skilled professionals.

Despite potential policy differences, experts believe Takaichi’s leadership will enhance India-Japan strategic alignment and contribute to a stable Indo-Pacific order.