PM Modi Calls Sanae Takaichi Little Sister at India-Japan Annual Summit

By Aditya Nagar | July 03, 2026

PM Modi Calls Sanae Takaichi Little Sister: Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprised many when he called Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi his "little sister" at a press event following the 16th India-Japan annual summit.

Some people thought PM Modi was more emotional than usual, but the real reason was a private conversation he had with PM Takaichi at Hyderabad House.

Officials who knew about the conversation said PM Takaichi told PM Modi that the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was like an older brother to her and someone she admired.

PM Modi Calls Sanae Takaichi Little Sister: PM Takaichi Calls Also Calls PM Modi Her 'Elder Brother', Credits Shinzo Abe's Lasting Bond

PM Takaichi also said that because Abe-san respected and cared for PM Modi, she now sees Modi as her elder brother too.

She had a close relationship with PM Abe, who was assassinated on July 8, 2022, in Nara, which is PM Sanae Takaichi’s constituency.

While Abe-san was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, India-Japan relations grew stronger.

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State Funeral of Shinzo Abe: Why PM Modi Called Sanae Takaichi His 'Younger Sister'

PM Modi calls Sanae Takaichi little sister: On September 27, 2022, PM Modi attended Shinzo Abe’s state funeral and met his wife, Akie Abe, to offer condolences.

PM Modi and PM Takaichi respected the late leader. The Indian Prime Minister even took on the role of elder brother and called her his little sister.

PM Takaichi welcomed the sibling bond and thanked PM Modi for calling her his “beautiful younger sister.”

She said both leaders shared similar views, and their bond showed the understanding they reached in their private talks.

India-Japan Annual Summit: Foreign Secretary Hails Japan PM's Visit as a Significant Step

PM Modi calls Sanae Takaichi Little Sister: Foreign Secretary Vikram Mistry said Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi’s first visit to India marks an important step in strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

During her trip, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Takaichi met both one-on-one and with their teams to talk about trade, investment, economic security, supply chains, defence, technology, innovation, and connections between people in both countries.

India, Japan to Build 1,000 Biogas Plants, Expand AI Cooperation

India-Japan Relations: Both leaders highlighted the need for strong supply chains, energy security, and closer business ties, as described in the Economic Security Factsheet 2.0.

They agreed to work together to build 1,000 biogas plants in India using Japanese technology and identified artificial intelligence as an important area for future cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi will also host Takaichi for a private dinner.

Modi Takaichi Meeting: Japan PM Reaffirms Commitment to Closer India Ties

PM Modi Japan Visit: At the forum, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that Japan and India, as two of the region's largest democracies, plan to work more closely to support the rule of law, oppose coercion, protect freedom, encourage prosperity, and shape the future together. She added that energy security is an important part of their partnership.

PM Modi calls Sanae Takaichi Little Sister: Pushes for 10 Trillion Yen Japanese Investment in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for closer economic ties between the two countries.

He urged businesses to help raise Japanese investment in India to more than 10 trillion yen over the next decade and to double the number of Japanese companies setting up in India.

PM Modi Reaffirms India as the World's Fastest-Growing Economy

India-Japan Latest News: At the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed global economic challenges, including supply chain issues, trade uncertainty, and weak demand.

He noted that India is the fastest-growing major economy, with a 7.7 per cent GDP growth last year.

Modi added that for the past 12 years, India has worked to improve its economy by following Japan’s Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement.

Modi, Japanese PM Unveil Maruti Suzuki's Fourth Manufacturing Unit

India-Japan Latest Update: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took part in the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum.

During the event, they officially opened Maruti Suzuki's fourth vehicle manufacturing plant in Kharkhoda, Haryana, through a video conference.

PM Modi Hails India-Japan Relationship as 'Very Special'

At the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the relationship between India and Japan "very special" and pointed out their strong economic ties.

He mentioned the new Maruti Suzuki plant in Kharkhoda, Haryana, and said that almost two-thirds of Suzuki cars sold worldwide are made in India and shipped to over 100 countries.

Modi also said that when Japan brings its expertise and investment together with India's speed and scale, it benefits both countries and has a positive effect around the world.

India, Japan Seal ¥10T Investment & Mobility Pact

When Prime Minister Modi visited Japan in August 2025, India and Japan reached several key agreements.

They aim to bring in 10 trillion yen in private investment over five years and make it easier for 500,000 people to move between the two countries.

As part of this, Japan will welcome 50,000 highly skilled Indian professionals to work there.

India-Japan Defence Ties Gain Momentum With Focus on Joint Manufacturing

India is among seventeen countries that have a defence technology cooperation agreement with Japan, allowing the transfer of offensive weapons systems.

Over the years, India has signed several defence agreements, creating a solid foundation for working together.

Now, New Delhi can use the momentum from the Modi-Takaichi summit to further strengthen defence manufacturing ties.

To manage risks and support its new security strategy, Japan should grow its defence industry by working with trusted partners like India.

Japan is already working with the Indian Navy to co-produce UNICORN masts and hopes to build Mogami-class stealth frigates in Indian shipyards.

They can also team up in other areas, such as developing electric motors and hybrid systems for drones, fighter jet engines, and advanced propulsion systems for future stealth warships.

Japan’s new policies match India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.

By finding more ways to work together, India can benefit from Japan’s experience in areas like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, unmanned systems, electronics, metallurgy, and shipbuilding, including advanced welding and heavy hydraulic presses.

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