With an emphasis on economic cooperation and technology partnerships, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held summit talks with Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi, focusing on resilient semiconductor supply chains and critical technologies.
Following the talks, the two sides are expected to unveil a joint declaration on economic security cooperation and a joint statement on cooperation in artificial intelligence.
"Taking forward a partnership anchored in trust, shared values and strategic convergence," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on social media as Modi hosted Takaichi for the summit.
Ahead of the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the India-Japan partnership as one "built on trust" and rooted in shared values.
The Indian and Japanese sides are also expected to deliberate extensively on ways to boost cooperation on critical minerals and pharmaceuticals.
The Japanese prime minister is on a three-day visit to India. She was accorded a warm ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Thursday morning.
There has been an upswing in India-Japan ties.
The relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014.
As the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027, cooperation continues to deepen across a wide range of sectors, including trade and investment, economic security, defence and security, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people ties.
The bilateral framework now comprises over 70 dialogue mechanisms.
PM Modi visited Japan for the 15th Annual Summit in Tokyo in August last year.
The annual summit remains the flagship platform driving the strategic agenda of the partnership.
The Japanese prime minister had posted on X photos of her arrival, soon after landing in Delhi.
Sharing her post, Modi wrote, "A very warm welcome to India, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
"We are delighted to host you on your first visit to India, and I look forward to our wide-ranging discussions tomorrow that will further deepen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Through our joint efforts, we will continue to advance peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. @takaichi_sanae."
Jaiswal on Wednesday said the visit marks an "important step" in taking forward the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan.
"The Summit will provide an opportunity for both sides to review and strengthen the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," the MEA earlier said.
(With inputs from PTI)
