New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as his “younger sister” during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, a gesture rooted in his long-standing relationship with former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and warmly reciprocated by the visiting leader.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, Takaichi told Prime Minister Modi that the late Shinzo Abe had been like an elder brother to her. She added that because Abe deeply respected and admired Modi, she now looked upon the Indian Prime Minister as her own elder brother. In response, Modi affectionately referred to Takaichi as his “beautiful younger sister.”
The exchange reflects the close personal bond Modi shared with Shinzo Abe, who played a pivotal role in elevating India-Japan relations during his tenure. Following Abe’s assassination in 2022, Modi travelled to Tokyo to attend his state funeral, underscoring the deep friendship between the two leaders.
Responding during the joint press conference, Takaichi embraced the sentiment, saying she and Modi would continue to strengthen India-Japan relations “as brother and sister.” She said the two leaders shared the same vision for expanding cooperation in economic security, technology, defence and regional stability.
The summit concluded with several landmark agreements, including cooperation in artificial intelligence, economic security, critical minerals, energy, and the first India-Japan defence co-development project. Japan also reaffirmed its long-term investment commitment in India, further strengthening the Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
