Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as “my younger sister” during a joint statement following the 16th annual India-Japan Summit on Thursday.
Addressing the media after bilateral talks, Modi said, “Your Excellency and my younger sister, Prime Minister Takaichi,” while welcoming the Japanese delegation and marking Takaichi’s first official visit to India.
Takaichi also highlighted the close personal rapport between the two leaders, noting Modi’s reference to her as his “beautiful younger sister.” She said both leaders agreed to further strengthen India-Japan relations in the spirit of a brother-sister bond.
Speaking at the joint press conference, Takaichi said the two countries remain aligned on several strategic issues and agreed on three priority areas to deepen cooperation.
She noted that Japan’s updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) vision closely aligns with Modi’s “MAHASAGAR” initiative, adding that both nations would enhance maritime security cooperation to promote peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
