Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands before their talks in New Delhi on July 2. (©Kyodo)
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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi returned to Japan on July 3 after a visit to India, where she sought not only to strengthen bilateral cooperation on issues such as security but also to build a personal rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A friendly exchange between the two leaders at a joint press conference attracted widespread attention in India, with local media highlighting Modi's decision to refer to Takaichi as his "little sister."
Takaichi responded in kind, referring to him as "my elder brother, Prime Minister Modi." A Japanese diplomatic source said the exchange conveyed a sense of warmth and closeness, noting that family relationships carry particular cultural significance in India.
Following Abe's Legacy
According to Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki, who attended the summit, Takaichi told Modi that she understood former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had referred to him as an elder brother.
"I have always thought of Mr. Abe as my elder brother as well," she said. "So I hope you will think of me as your little sister."
Ozaki said the exchange symbolized the continuation of the close bond that Abe and Modi had built over many years.
During his time in office, Abe met Modi repeatedly and helped elevate Japan-India relations to a "Special Strategic and Global Partnership." The two leaders were known to share a close friendship, and Modi attended Abe's state funeral in 2022.
For Takaichi, the India trip was seen as an important opportunity to deepen ties with one of Japan's closest strategic partners. People close to the prime minister said the personal relationship she established with Modi was the visit's most significant achievement.
Author: Shusuke Takenouchi, The Sankei Shimbun
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