Relations between Japan and India are entering an exhilarating new chapter, driven by robust security collaboration and advancements in technology, as detailed in a key report. Long-standing bonds are gaining fresh impetus through shared goals in the Indo-Pacific and expanding people-to-people connections.
According to Japan Forward, cultural interchanges, surging Japanese investments, and joint ventures in innovation and manufacturing are infusing new vitality into the partnership. Amid rising global volatility, both countries align on preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific governed by rules.
Prime Minister Modi’s August 2025 trip to Japan saw then-PM Shigeru Ishiba commend a decade of bilateral achievements and advocate for enhanced security cooperation. Ishiba highlighted the shared duty to maintain a rules-based order in the region, urging teamwork to ensure peace and stability in uncertain times.
The leaders renewed vows to heighten their ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership.’ Japan’s Foreign Ministry emphasized building synergistic ties by capitalizing on mutual strengths, crafting solutions for future societal and economic challenges.
Modi’s December 2025 meeting with PM Sane Takaiichi solidified plans to propel the strategic partnership forward. The Human Resource Exchange Action Plan targets 500,000 exchanges in five years, fortifying ties across culture, education, economy, and security.
A forward-looking roadmap by Modi covers investments, tech innovation, green initiatives, health, mobility, interpersonal links, and sub-national collaborations. Ground-level actions include the ‘Japan Travel Fair 2026’ to deepen tourism and cultural bonds.
In a gesture of goodwill, Foreign Minister Motegi presented India’s Jaishankar with Japan’s cricket jersey during strategic talks. Embassy official Abe noted cricket’s role as a unifying force between the two peoples.
Trade figures show growth from $21 billion in 2023-24 to $25.17 billion in 2026, with Japan contributing $43 billion in FDI over 25 years. Ultimately, the partnership has matured into a multifaceted alliance anchored in security, tech prowess, and shared democratic principles.