PM Modi holds talks with Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, congratulating her on assuming office and becoming the country’s first-ever woman leader since Japan’s postwar elections in 1947.

Takaichi, 64, President of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was elected Prime Minister by Parliament on Tuesday, securing 237 out of 465 votes in the Lower House, defeating opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party, who received 149 votes. Her landmark victory marks a historic milestone for Japanese politics, long seen as dominated by men.

During their conversation, Modi and Takaichi reaffirmed their shared vision to advance the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, focusing on economic security, defence cooperation, and talent mobility. “Had a warm conversation with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Congratulated her on assuming office and discussed our shared vision for advancing the India-Japan partnership,” Modi posted on X.

A protégé of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is known for her nationalist and conservative political stance, advocating a stronger Self-Defense Force, reforms in social security, and a more assertive Japanese role in the Indo-Pacific, positions expected to align closely with India’s strategic outlook in the region.

Born in Yamatokōriyama, Nara Prefecture, Takaichi began her career outside politics, dabbling in music, television, and other creative pursuits, before entering Parliament in 1993. She joined the LDP in 1996 and held several ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications and Minister in charge of Economic Security, Science and Technology, and Intellectual Property.

Her ascent comes after two earlier unsuccessful bids for party leadership in 2021 and 2024, underscoring her persistence and growing influence within the LDP. She now faces major challenges, reviving Japan’s slowing economy, restoring party unity after recent scandals, and navigating a shifting global landscape.

Takaichi’s rise follows the resignation of Fumio Kishida in August 2024 amid a political funding scandal that severely damaged public trust in the ruling party. Kishida’s exit paved the way for a leadership shift that many Japanese view as both symbolic progress for women and a continuation of Japan’s conservative governance.