Diplomacy and Safety Matters Arise as Indian Prime Minister Modi Meets in Japan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a two-day official visit to Tokyo, marking his eighth visit to Japan and his first summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

During his visit, Modi and Ishiba are expected to discuss a range of regional and global issues. One of the key topics on the agenda is the trade relationship between the two countries. This conversation comes at a time when the U.S. has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports, and Japan faces 15% levies.

Despite these challenges, Japan is considering a 10 trillion yen (approximately $68 billion) private investment target in India over the next decade. This potential investment could significantly boost the trade volume between the two countries, which stood at $21 billion last year.

The leaders will also review the "special strategic and global partnership" between India and Japan, a diplomatic relationship that dates back to 1952. The focus of this partnership will likely be on defense, trade, economy, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

Following his visit to Japan, Modi will travel to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders' summit in Tianjin on 31 August-1 September. During this summit, Modi is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The joint statement expected at the summit is expected to pledge further enhancement of bilateral cooperation between India and Japan. The statement may also promote deeper engagement among Quad members (U.S., Australia, India, and Japan).

Modi anticipates giving new wings to India's collaboration with Japan, and this visit marks an important step in strengthening the ties between the two nations. Modi's last visit to Japan was in May 2023, and this summit is the 15th India-Japan annual summit.

The Ishiba-Modi meeting is a significant event in the diplomatic calendar, and the discussions between the two leaders will undoubtedly shape the future of India-Japan relations. The meeting also comes at a crucial time, as both countries navigate the complexities of the global economic landscape and international politics.