Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a major diplomatic journey this Friday by landing in Tokyo for a two-day official visit, marking his eighth trip to Japan and the first summit with new Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The centerpiece of this visit is the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, a crucial event for both nations as they look to renew and strengthen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership—a relationship that has steadily flourished over the past decade.

Upon his arrival, Modi was met by a vibrant Indian diaspora and cultural performances, highlighting the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister’s schedule is packed: aside from official meetings, he will participate in high-level business events and interact with Japanese industry leaders. In these forums, Japanese executives have voiced keen interest in India’s market, with reports suggesting over 80% of Japanese businesses in India want to expand their operations in the near future.

Key topics on the summit agenda include bolstering cooperation in defense, security, trade, and technology. Both governments aim to unveil a series of new agreements to drive these partnerships forward, especially in strategic sectors such as investments, science, and innovation. Notably, Modi and Ishiba are scheduled to travel to Sendai on a high-speed train to tour a semiconductor facility, emphasizing collaboration in cutting-edge technology—a sector where both countries hope to mutually benefit.

The visit reflects the growing regional and global importance of India-Japan ties, particularly amid shifting alliances and challenges. As India’s relations with the US navigate uncertain trade policy waters, Japan’s commitment to double its investment target in India signals a strong vote of confidence in their partnership. Modi’s public statements echo this sentiment—expressing optimism that these talks will not only advance national priorities but also contribute to greater regional peace, security, and prosperity.