Who is Sanae Takaichi? Meet Japan’s first woman prime minister whom PM Modi called his ‘younger sister’ during Japan-India annual summit

A warm moment between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi became one of the biggest highlights of the India-Japan Annual Summit held in New Delhi. While the meeting focused on strengthening strategic and economic ties, PM Modi surprised many by introducing Takaichi as his “younger sister.” The Japanese leader responded with a smile and thanked him for calling her his “beautiful younger sister,” saying the two leaders would work together with the trust and warmth of a brother-sister relationship.

The exchange quickly became the talking point of the summit, adding a personal touch to an event otherwise centred on diplomacy, defence and technology cooperation.

Who is Sanae Takaichi?

Sanae Takaichi is the first woman Prime Minister of Japan, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political history. A senior leader known for her conservative views and strong administrative experience, she has held several important ministerial positions before taking charge as Japan’s top leader.

Takaichi has built a reputation for supporting technological innovation, economic growth and stronger national security. Throughout her political career, she has advocated policies aimed at boosting Japan’s manufacturing sector, promoting advanced technologies and strengthening international partnerships.

Her visit to India from July 1 to July 3 is her first official trip to the country as Prime Minister after assuming office.

Summit focused on stronger India-Japan partnership

Beyond the warm exchange between the two leaders, the summit produced several important outcomes. India and Japan signed their first-ever defence co-development agreement, marking a major step in bilateral defence cooperation.

The two countries also announced new initiatives covering artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, strategic technologies and economic security. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

Delegation-level talks were held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi in the presence of senior ministers and officials from both countries.

A new chapter in bilateral relations

Welcoming Takaichi, PM Modi described her visit as the beginning of a “new chapter” in India-Japan relations. He praised her leadership and called Japan one of India’s closest strategic partners.

Responding to the gesture, Takaichi said she hoped the two nations would move forward like brother and sister, combining their strengths to become more prosperous together. The summit reflected not only growing strategic cooperation but also the strong personal rapport between the two leaders, which both sides believe will help deepen the long-standing Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan.