PM Modi visits Japan to strengthen ties amid US trade tensions

PM Modi’s Japan visit focuses on Quad security cooperation, bullet train technology, and a $68 billion investment in AI and semiconductors. The trip aims to deepen Indo-Japan strategic and economic partnerships while addressing regional challenges. This marks Modi’s first standalone visit to Japan in seven years.

New Delhi: Amid growing tensions with the US over tariffs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for an official visit to Japan on August 29-30. He will then go to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting.

This visit is considered very important for India's foreign policy, especially to promote strategic and economic cooperation with Japan. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has already discussed the agenda of the visit in detail.

Key points of the India-Japan Annual Summit

This visit of Prime Minister Modi is to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This is Modi's first independent visit to Japan in almost seven years, which has further increased its importance. During this, special attention will be given to the Quad partnership, which includes India, Japan, Australia, and the US. Discussion on the geopolitical and security challenges of the Quad group is the main agenda of this meeting.

Bullet train and infrastructure cooperation

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed ​​Rail Corridor (Bullet Train Project) will also be discussed during this visit. The purchase of Japan's E10 class bullet trains, which have a maximum speed of 320 kmph and are equipped with earthquake-resistant technology, will be discussed.

Prime Minister Modi will also visit the Tokyo Electron Factory and the Tohoku Shinkansen Plant in Sendai, where bullet train coaches are manufactured.

Defense and technology cooperation

India and Japan are also considering strengthening defense cooperation. Recently, the defense ministers of the two countries met, and equipment and technology cooperation was discussed. The Indian Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force are jointly working on increasing cooperation in the field of ship maintenance. Apart from this, talks are also going on between DRDO and Japan's ATLA on technical cooperation.

68 billion dollar investment plan

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced a plan to invest $68 billion in sectors like AI and semiconductors in India. Under this, both the countries are going to launch an AI Initiative, which aims to promote startups and technological innovation. This investment will help take India-Japan economic relations to new heights.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan will not only strengthen bilateral relations but will also promote geopolitical cooperation through important forums like Quad. Progress in areas like the bullet train project and defense cooperation will further deepen the relationship between the two countries.