'In global turbulence, mutual trust is our greatest strategic asset': PM Modi on India-Japan partnership – Top 7 quotes

Published 2 July 2026 · local

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that mutual trust between nations was the greatest strategic asset in times of geopolitical uncertainties. PM Modi was

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that mutual trust between nations was the greatest strategic asset in times of geopolitical uncertainties. PM Modi was speaking during a joint press statement along with Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi in New Delhi. "Just a few days ago at the G7 Summit, I remarked that in today's climate of global turbulence, mutual trust is our greatest strategic asset; I am proud that the India-Japan partnership fully lives up to this standard,” PM Modi said. Takaichi's three-day visit to India comes amid rising uncertainties in the global arena. Under these circumastances, the collaboration with India becomes even more pertinent. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What were the main topics discussed during the Modi-Takaichi summit? ⌵ The summit focused on expanding economic ties, enhancing resilient supply chains for semiconductors, and boosting cooperation in critical technologies and defense between India and Japan. 2 Why is the India-Japan partnership significant in today's global context? ⌵ The partnership is pivotal amid rising geopolitical uncertainties, allowing both nations to collaborate on shared values and strategic interests, particularly in defense and technology. 3 How does the local-currency settlement framework aim to benefit India and Japan? ⌵ The framework will enable direct yen-rupee transactions for bilateral trade without routing through the US dollar, facilitating easier financial transactions between the two countries. 4 What agreements were expected to be signed during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit? ⌵ Agreements were anticipated in sectors including economic security, artificial intelligence, energy resilience, and various memoranda of understanding covering trade and cooperation. 5 What is the significance of mutual trust in the India-Japan partnership as emphasized by PM Modi? ⌵ PM Modi highlighted that mutual trust is a strategic asset in times of global turbulence, crucial for fostering a robust partnership that has evolved over decades.

PM Modi also said that over the past few decades, spanning sectors from automotive to electronics, Japan has played a pivotal role in India's growth story, building an invaluable bond of friendship and trust. “Today, with Prime Minister Takaichi's visit, we are embarking on a new chapter in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” he said. What Modi and Takaichi discussed? Earlier PM Modi held summit talks with Takaichi in New Delhi. The talks focused on expanding economic ties, enhancing resilient supply chains for semiconductors and boosting cooperation in critical technologies between the two nations. The two leaders discussed wide-ranging talks on the full spectrum of India-Japan ties, including trade & investment, economic security, energy, emerging technologies, defence and people-to-people exchanges, the Ministry of External Affairs said. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, it said. “The talks delivered concrete progress on key priorities of our bilateral ties. Both sides adopted three landmark documents – 1) Joint Declaration on Economic Security, 2) Joint Statement on Cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence and 3) Joint Statement on Energy Resilience,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. “Both leaders witnessed the exchange of key MoUs and agreements spanning Economic Security, Clean Energy, critical technologies and research & development,” he said. PM Modi said that the two leaders believe that a technology partnership will become the strongest pillar of our cooperation. "To realise this vision, we have also issued a joint statement today regarding the field of AI. Several key institutions within the Indian AI ecosystem have also signed agreements with their Japanese partners today. The convergence of Japan's precision technology and India's software capabilities will impart new momentum and strength to global AI development,” he said. The Indian delegation during the talks included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, among other officials.