As Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marks her first India visit for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, she is set to hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are set to hold discussions over a range of topics on Thursday (Jul 2), aiming to strengthen ties between the two nations. Key areas of talks are expected to be economic security, investment growth, innovation and energy. As the high-stakes summit takes place in New Delhi, focus has also shifted to how global energy shocks are influencing the relations between the two countries.The Russia-Ukraine conflict and Iran war have reshaped traditional energy supply routes, triggering uncertainty over global oil prices. These disruptions have prompted India and Japan, which are heavily dependent on oil imports, to look for alternative solutions to navigate the crisis.<h2>India and Japan: Shared vulnerabilities</h2>India imports 85-90 per cent of its crude oil needs, relying on supplies from the Middle East and discounted Russian oil. Japan also imports more than 85 per cent of its total energy needs, depending on crude and LNG supplies from the Middle East.In response to the global energy shocks, India has diversified suppliers, expanded strategic petroleum reserves and increased refining exports. Meanwhile, Japan has focused on long-term LNG contracts, stockpiling, and energy efficiency measures.<h2>How Russia-Ukraine war re-routed oil flows</h2>Western sanctions on Russia have pushed the majority of its crude supply towards Asia, with India becoming a key exporter, deepening its exposure to geopolitical discount-driven supply chains. In recent years, Russia’s share in Indian crude imports rose to 35-50 per cent from below 1 per cent before 2022.Meanwhile, Japan has largely avoided the purchase of Russian oil due to sanctions, and has shifted its reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers and long-established LNG contracts.<h2>Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption</h2>The second energy supply shock came after disruption of maritime traffic of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict in the Middle East. The blockade of the strategic waterway, the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf accounting for a quarter of global oil trade and one-fifth of LNG flows, has triggered a sharp rise in oil prices.Both India and Japan have faced delays in supplies and price spikes due to the tension in the region.<h2>India-Japan cooperation</h2>Amid the volatile global situation, both India and Japan are increasing cooperation in energy diversification, maritime security, and clean energy transition technologies. Reaffirming their commitment to work on shared goals, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced key initiatives to strengthen energy security at the India-Japan Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Thursday (Jul 2).“In today’s era of uncertainty, both India and Japan fully understand the importance of economic and energy security,” PM Modi said.“We have launched a key initiative on energy resilience to tackle situations like oil shocks. Furthermore, our cooperation in batteries, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy will make a significant contribution to the global clean energy future. India and Japan view economic security as shared security and energy transition as a shared opportunity; we are committed to advancing this agenda together,” the prime minister added.Speaking on the matter, PM Takaichi said, “In the area of energy security impacted by the Middle East situation, both Japan and India bear the responsibility to provide for region-wide energy security as I presented in Power Asia. That is why we have released a document for the public and private sectors, a joint statement to engage in concrete action for economic security cooperation under the Power Asia Initiative; we will launch a bilateral dialogue to strengthen India’s petroleum stockpiling system.”Both leaders also announced launching the Japan-India Cooperative Biogas for Growth or CBG initiative. Takaichi added that Japan supports India’s membership of the International Energy Agency. “In the area of energy transition, India has set a goal of leveraging cooperatives to secure energy from cow faeces to build 1,000 biogas plants.”

India and Japan deepened energy cooperation at the 2026 summit, unveiling initiatives on energy resilience, petroleum stockpiling and clean energy amid global oil supply disruptions caused by Russia and Iran.

As Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marks her first India visit for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, she is set to hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are set to hold discussions over a range of topics on Thursday (Jul 2), aiming to strengthen ties between the two nations. Key areas of talks are expected to be economic security, investment growth, innovation and energy. As the high-stakes summit takes place in New Delhi, focus has also shifted to how global energy shocks are influencing the relations between the two countries. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and Iran war have reshaped traditional energy supply routes, triggering uncertainty over global oil prices. These disruptions have prompted India and Japan, which are heavily dependent on oil imports, to look for alternative solutions to navigate the crisis. India and Japan: Shared vulnerabilities India imports 85-90 per cent of its crude oil needs, relying on supplies from the Middle East and discounted Russian oil. Japan also imports more than 85 per cent of its total energy needs, depending on crude and LNG supplies from the Middle East. In response to the global energy shocks, India has diversified suppliers, expanded strategic petroleum reserves and increased refining exports. Meanwhile, Japan has focused on long-term LNG contracts, stockpiling, and energy efficiency measures. How Russia-Ukraine war re-routed oil flows Western sanctions on Russia have pushed the majority of its crude supply towards Asia, with India becoming a key exporter, deepening its exposure to geopolitical discount-driven supply chains. In recent years, Russia’s share in Indian crude imports rose to 35-50 per cent from below 1 per cent before 2022. Meanwhile, Japan has largely avoided the purchase of Russian oil due to sanctions, and has shifted its reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers and long-established LNG contracts. Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption The second energy supply shock came after disruption of maritime traffic of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict in the Middle East. The blockade of the strategic waterway, the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf accounting for a quarter of global oil trade and one-fifth of LNG flows, has triggered a sharp rise in oil prices. Both India and Japan have faced delays in supplies and price spikes due to the tension in the region. India-Japan cooperation Amid the volatile global situation, both India and Japan are increasing cooperation in energy diversification, maritime security, and clean energy transition technologies. Reaffirming their commitment to work on shared goals, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced key initiatives to strengthen energy security at the India-Japan Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Thursday (Jul 2). “In today’s era of uncertainty, both India and Japan fully understand the importance of economic and energy security,” PM Modi said. “We have launched a key initiative on energy resilience to tackle situations like oil shocks. Furthermore, our cooperation in batteries, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy will make a significant contribution to the global clean energy future. India and Japan view economic security as shared security and energy transition as a shared opportunity; we are committed to advancing this agenda together,” the prime minister added. Speaking on the matter, PM Takaichi said, “In the area of energy security impacted by the Middle East situation, both Japan and India bear the responsibility to provide for region-wide energy security as I presented in Power Asia. That is why we have released a document for the public and private sectors, a joint statement to engage in concrete action for economic security cooperation under the Power Asia Initiative; we will launch a bilateral dialogue to strengthen India’s petroleum stockpiling system.” Both leaders also announced launching the Japan-India Cooperative Biogas for Growth or CBG initiative. Takaichi added that Japan supports India’s membership of the International Energy Agency. “In the area of energy transition, India has set a goal of leveraging cooperatives to secure energy from cow faeces to build 1,000 biogas plants.”

India and Japan deepened energy cooperation at the 2026 summit, unveiling initiatives on energy resilience, petroleum stockpiling and clean energy amid global oil supply disruptions caused by Russia and Iran.

India-Japan Summit: How global energy shocks are bringing India and Japan closer

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday (Jul 2) reaffirmed their commitment to maintain regional security during the joint press conference following bilateral talks in New Delhi as part of the India-Japan Summit 2026. The two leaders also announced the signing of a defence agreement on the first co-development project between India and Japan, which involves the Naval Radio Antenna ‘Unicorn’. This project is set to deepen defence ties between the two countries.“Today, both India and Japan are among the world's largest economies. A free, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is our shared priority. As the region’s largest democratic and market economies, we have undertaken several significant initiatives today. Together, these will pave the way for peace, stability, and progress across the entire region,” PM Modi said.“In the defence sector, we have signed an agreement today on the first co-development project between India and Japan. This project, involving the Naval Radio Antenna Unicorn, will open a new chapter in our defence technology partnership.”The prime minister added that India and Japan will jointly develop defence technologies that strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and the rules-based order.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japan-essential-part-of-india-s-growth-pm-modi-takaichi-announce-moc-what-they-said-in-opening-remarks-1782974988715">‘Japan essential part of India’s growth’: PM Modi, Takaichi announce MoC – What they said in opening remarks</a>Speaking at the presser, Takaichi said, “Our two countries share the vision on the profile of the international order we should establish under the current international situation. I recently announced the updated FOIP (Free and Open Indo-Pacific), which focuses on self-reliance and resilience to realise FOIP.”She added, “On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi positions the ocean as a shared space that supports regional stability and growth and is promoting the Mahasagar, the Great Ocean Initiative for countries across the Indian Ocean to defend their sovereignty and the sea through their own efforts, which is perfectly aligned with FOIP. Thus, we agreed to deepen the strategic cooperation between Japan and India to achieve such common goals. Expansion of maritime security cooperation is especially important for regional peace and stability.”Takaichi also announced India-Japan joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean involving a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer and an Indian Navy vessel to promote naval maintenance, repair and overhaul cooperation and strengthen equipment cooperation under the Make in India framework.“In order to deepen such cooperation, I have instructed the relevant departments to hold discussions and to organise the next Japan-India 2+2 before the end of the year,” she added.The two leaders also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), announcing a joint declaration on key issues, including economic security, energy resilience, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, pharma, gen mobility, biogas, and upstream development of oil and gas.Watch | India-Japan summit: PM Modi says 'adding new chapter in strategic ties' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-summit-pm-modi-says-adding-new-chapter-in-strategic-ties-1782987135673/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-summit-pm-modi-says-adding-new-chapter-in-strategic-ties-1782987135673/embed</a>&nbsp;

PM Modi and Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi signed the first defence co-development pact with Japan involving the Unicorn naval antenna, while expanding cooperation on Indo-Pacific security, energy and AI.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday (Jul 2) reaffirmed their commitment to maintain regional security during the joint press conference following bilateral talks in New Delhi as part of the India-Japan Summit 2026. The two leaders also announced the signing of a defence agreement on the first co-development project between India and Japan, which involves the Naval Radio Antenna ‘Unicorn’. This project is set to deepen defence ties between the two countries. “Today, both India and Japan are among the world's largest economies. A free, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is our shared priority. As the region’s largest democratic and market economies, we have undertaken several significant initiatives today. Together, these will pave the way for peace, stability, and progress across the entire region,” PM Modi said. “In the defence sector, we have signed an agreement today on the first co-development project between India and Japan. This project, involving the Naval Radio Antenna Unicorn, will open a new chapter in our defence technology partnership.” The prime minister added that India and Japan will jointly develop defence technologies that strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and the rules-based order. Also read | ‘Japan essential part of India’s growth’: PM Modi, Takaichi announce MoC – What they said in opening remarks Speaking at the presser, Takaichi said, “Our two countries share the vision on the profile of the international order we should establish under the current international situation. I recently announced the updated FOIP (Free and Open Indo-Pacific), which focuses on self-reliance and resilience to realise FOIP.” She added, “On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi positions the ocean as a shared space that supports regional stability and growth and is promoting the Mahasagar, the Great Ocean Initiative for countries across the Indian Ocean to defend their sovereignty and the sea through their own efforts, which is perfectly aligned with FOIP. Thus, we agreed to deepen the strategic cooperation between Japan and India to achieve such common goals. Expansion of maritime security cooperation is especially important for regional peace and stability.” Takaichi also announced India-Japan joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean involving a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer and an Indian Navy vessel to promote naval maintenance, repair and overhaul cooperation and strengthen equipment cooperation under the Make in India framework. “In order to deepen such cooperation, I have instructed the relevant departments to hold discussions and to organise the next Japan-India 2+2 before the end of the year,” she added. The two leaders also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), announcing a joint declaration on key issues, including economic security, energy resilience, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, pharma, gen mobility, biogas, and upstream development of oil and gas. Watch | India-Japan summit: PM Modi says 'adding new chapter in strategic ties' https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-summit-pm-modi-says-adding-new-chapter-in-strategic-ties-1782987135673/embed

PM Modi and Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi signed the first defence co-development pact with Japan involving the Unicorn naval antenna, while expanding cooperation on Indo-Pacific security, energy and AI.

‘New chapter in India-Japan partnership’: PM Modi, PM Takaichi announce defence agreement, naval exercises

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is in New Delhi for a three-day official visit. She will attend the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit and hold formal talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This trip comes amid growing tension in the Indo-Pacific, making the visit significant. Takaichi highlighted that India and Japan both share fundamental values and strategic interests. Defence is being seen as an important strategic node in the cooperation between the two nations, as Japan has abandoned its post-World War II pacifism, specifically since Takaichi took the reins of the country.&nbsp;<h2>What is this new post-pacifist Japan?</h2>Chinese media and officials frame Takaichi as completing the "Abe Doctrine," which regional analysts term as “Takaichi realism”, dismantling the legal and moral scaffolding of postwar pacifism and decades of self-imposed military limits. Japan is attempting to pivot from passive defence to proactive regional deterrence. Takaichi has been specifically leading the torch, working to bolster Japan's defence capabilities in the face of China's military buildup and North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.&nbsp;Her government has increased defence spending to a record 9 trillion yuan, roughly 2 per cent of the GDP and is partnering with regional powers on next-generation military technologies. In April 2026, Tokyo scrapped its ban on lethal weapons exports, saying no single country can protect its own peace and security alone. She is also pushing to revise Article 9, the constitutional clause which renounces war, after winning a super majority in the lower house in February 2026. She has asserted that she wants to initiate the revision by the end of 2026. Abe had considered his failure to amend it as his deepest political regret. Though Takaiachi faces political gridlock in the upper house and pushback from the public, she has taken it upon herself as a personal vow.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-denuclearisation-talks-doha-qatar-1782920632414">Trump says US-Iran talks in Doha went well, claims progress on denuclearisation</a>On the contrary, many analysts suggest that this is just Japanese constitutional theatre; a symbolic housekeeping on something that's already in practice. Japan has quietly upgraded its military capability, implicating the ambiguity of Article 9. For example, reclassifying Izumo-class helicopter carriers to operate F-35B stealth fighters just by reinterpreting what is “minimum necessary self-defence”, similarly acquired long-range Tomahawk missiles under the quiet guise of "counterstrike capability". The Japan Self-Defence Forces are already among the top 10 military forces globally. It maintains one of the most technologically advanced militaries in the world, while avoiding a constitutional referendum and its political backlash.&nbsp;<h2>Where does New Delhi fit in this narrative?</h2>The US has become an increasingly unreliable partner ever since Donald Trump took over the office in 2025. On the other hand, China has increasingly become agressive on Taiwn. The recent Trump-Xi summit and the erratic handling of the $14 billion weapons deliveries to Taiwan have made Tokyo anxious. Trump is using Taiwan as a bargaining chip with China for trade leverage. Meanwhile, Trump's Secretary of War hinted that the US war with Iran has depleted its Tomahawk missile arsenal, so it will not be any time soon that the US will be able to deliver missile stockpiles to Japan. If there were not enough hints for Tokyo to seek other options.Entering New Delhi, which is a nuclear power and leveraging it as a deterrent at Beijing's Himalayan border is part of the “Takaichi realism” doctrine. Tokyo views New Delhi not just as an economic partner, but as a crucial, nuclear-armed strategic counterweight capable of balancing power in the Indo-Pacific. India is a nuclear-armed state that chose to remain outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), serving as the pragmatic vision of the restrictive post war pacifism. Further, the two nations are seeking to create a defence ecosystem, spanning military drones, stealth frigates, and semiconductor supply chains. The scope of collaboration is not limited, as Japan is pushing to institutionalise a Quad Defence Ministers’ Meeting in India to build on the existing foreign ministerial dialogue. While India occupies an interesting middle position, &nbsp;useful to Japan strategically, but not a security ally in the traditional sense, India has strong incentives to keep it that way. India maintains a strategic silence and does not take sides on Taiwan. It stayed silent even during Modi-Takaichi meetings on the G20 sidelines, despite the China-Japan diplomatic row. It remains to be seen how much New Delhi can risk angering Beijing by being part of a security alliance, as it has its own unresolved China relationship and tries to stabilise border relations.&nbsp;

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit highlights Tokyo's post-pacifist security strategy, growing defence cooperation, and concerns over China.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is in New Delhi for a three-day official visit. She will attend the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit and hold formal talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This trip comes amid growing tension in the Indo-Pacific, making the visit significant. Takaichi highlighted that India and Japan both share fundamental values and strategic interests. Defence is being seen as an important strategic node in the cooperation between the two nations, as Japan has abandoned its post-World War II pacifism, specifically since Takaichi took the reins of the country. What is this new post-pacifist Japan? Chinese media and officials frame Takaichi as completing the "Abe Doctrine," which regional analysts term as “Takaichi realism”, dismantling the legal and moral scaffolding of postwar pacifism and decades of self-imposed military limits. Japan is attempting to pivot from passive defence to proactive regional deterrence. Takaichi has been specifically leading the torch, working to bolster Japan's defence capabilities in the face of China's military buildup and North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. Her government has increased defence spending to a record 9 trillion yuan, roughly 2 per cent of the GDP and is partnering with regional powers on next-generation military technologies. In April 2026, Tokyo scrapped its ban on lethal weapons exports, saying no single country can protect its own peace and security alone. She is also pushing to revise Article 9, the constitutional clause which renounces war, after winning a super majority in the lower house in February 2026. She has asserted that she wants to initiate the revision by the end of 2026. Abe had considered his failure to amend it as his deepest political regret. Though Takaiachi faces political gridlock in the upper house and pushback from the public, she has taken it upon herself as a personal vow. Also Read: Trump says US-Iran talks in Doha went well, claims progress on denuclearisation On the contrary, many analysts suggest that this is just Japanese constitutional theatre; a symbolic housekeeping on something that's already in practice. Japan has quietly upgraded its military capability, implicating the ambiguity of Article 9. For example, reclassifying Izumo-class helicopter carriers to operate F-35B stealth fighters just by reinterpreting what is “minimum necessary self-defence”, similarly acquired long-range Tomahawk missiles under the quiet guise of "counterstrike capability". The Japan Self-Defence Forces are already among the top 10 military forces globally. It maintains one of the most technologically advanced militaries in the world, while avoiding a constitutional referendum and its political backlash. Where does New Delhi fit in this narrative? The US has become an increasingly unreliable partner ever since Donald Trump took over the office in 2025. On the other hand, China has increasingly become agressive on Taiwn. The recent Trump-Xi summit and the erratic handling of the $14 billion weapons deliveries to Taiwan have made Tokyo anxious. Trump is using Taiwan as a bargaining chip with China for trade leverage. Meanwhile, Trump's Secretary of War hinted that the US war with Iran has depleted its Tomahawk missile arsenal, so it will not be any time soon that the US will be able to deliver missile stockpiles to Japan. If there were not enough hints for Tokyo to seek other options. Entering New Delhi, which is a nuclear power and leveraging it as a deterrent at Beijing's Himalayan border is part of the “Takaichi realism” doctrine. Tokyo views New Delhi not just as an economic partner, but as a crucial, nuclear-armed strategic counterweight capable of balancing power in the Indo-Pacific. India is a nuclear-armed state that chose to remain outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), serving as the pragmatic vision of the restrictive post war pacifism. Further, the two nations are seeking to create a defence ecosystem, spanning military drones, stealth frigates, and semiconductor supply chains. The scope of collaboration is not limited, as Japan is pushing to institutionalise a Quad Defence Ministers’ Meeting in India to build on the existing foreign ministerial dialogue. While India occupies an interesting middle position, useful to Japan strategically, but not a security ally in the traditional sense, India has strong incentives to keep it that way. India maintains a strategic silence and does not take sides on Taiwan. It stayed silent even during Modi-Takaichi meetings on the G20 sidelines, despite the China-Japan diplomatic row. It remains to be seen how much New Delhi can risk angering Beijing by being part of a security alliance, as it has its own unresolved China relationship and tries to stabilise border relations.

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit highlights Tokyo's post-pacifist security strategy, growing defence cooperation, and concerns over China.

What is Sanae Takaichi's post-pacifist Japan and why does India matter?

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to arrive in India for her first official state visit. Takaichi will land in the national capital on Wednesday evening for her three-day official visit to India from July 1 to 3. The vital summit between Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per India's Ministry of External Affairs, offers a chance to "review and strengthen the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest."India and Japan share a "Special Strategic and Global Partnership," characterised by deep economic investments, strategic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, and cultural ties. The relationship between the two nations focuses on manufacturing, AI, supply chain resilience, and infrastructure.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/semiconductors-to-biogas-what-s-really-on-the-table-at-the-modi-takaichi-summit-wion-decodes-1782721446269">Semiconductors to biogas: What’s really on the table at the Modi-Takaichi summit? | WION Decodes</a>A high-speed bullet train line happens to be one of the ambitious cooperative projects between India and Japan. The much-vaunted project, using Japanese "Shinkansen" technology, was launched in 2017 by PM Modi and his then-Japanese counterpart&nbsp;Shinzo Abe. What's the scorecard? How far has the project come? WION Decodes.<h2>Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project</h2>Back in 2017, India and Japan agreed to a strategic partnership to introduce and co-manufacture the next-generation E10 Shinkansen bullet trains on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. The project at the time was planned to be completed by 2023.The ambitious project to introduce India's first high-speed bullet train line has, however, been mired in cost overruns and delays.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-ties-why-japan-is-betting-big-on-india-from-china-1-to-indo-pacific-strategy-1782888145108/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-ties-why-japan-is-betting-big-on-india-from-china-1-to-indo-pacific-strategy-1782888145108/embed</a><h2>Partial opening expected by 2027</h2>Almost a decade after work began on the high-speed bullet train line, a section of the project between Mumbai, India's financial capital and Ahmedabad, the key city in Modi's home state of Gujarat, may become operational by 2027, say Indian railway ministry officials.Talking to AFP, Dharmendra Tewari, Indian Railways' additional director general, said that "a considerable amount of work on the entire corridor has already been completed"."The first section of the bullet train will be operational in 2027, between the cities of Surat and Vapi," he added. The two cities, Surat, the global diamond cutting centre, and Vapi, known for its chemical and manufacturing industries, are about 100 kilometres apart.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-japan-ties-to-go-beyond-the-handshake-1782882666775">India-Japan ties to go beyond the handshake</a><h2>E10 deal, retired E5/E3 sets</h2>The partial opening has been made possible by "Japan’s offer to introduce, in the early 2030s, the E10 series of the Shinkansen that runs on the Japanese signalling system," said MEA in a press release, dated 29 August, 2025.Japan, as per reports, has agreed to bypass older E5/E3 models on the main route, choosing instead to debut the next-generation E10 in India concurrently with its rollout in Japan."The knowledge, skills and capabilities developed through the project are expected to support future high-speed rail corridors across the country," the government's plan reads.The proposed network would feature an east-west corridor connecting New Delhi with Varanasi, one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, before extending to the strategically important city of Siliguri, the gateway linking India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country.A second corridor would run roughly north to south from Ahmedabad to Mumbai, then stretch southeast across the country to connect key technology hubs, including Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The Indian government describes these planned routes as “growth connectors.”

Before the Modi-Takaichi summit, India's bullet train report card looks like this: E10 deal locked in, Surat-Vapi section nearing completion, manufacturing ambitions expanding, but cost overruns and delays continue to shadow the project. WION Decodes.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to arrive in India for her first official state visit. Takaichi will land in the national capital on Wednesday evening for her three-day official visit to India from July 1 to 3. The vital summit between Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per India's Ministry of External Affairs, offers a chance to "review and strengthen the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest." India and Japan share a "Special Strategic and Global Partnership," characterised by deep economic investments, strategic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, and cultural ties. The relationship between the two nations focuses on manufacturing, AI, supply chain resilience, and infrastructure. Also read | Semiconductors to biogas: What’s really on the table at the Modi-Takaichi summit? | WION Decodes A high-speed bullet train line happens to be one of the ambitious cooperative projects between India and Japan. The much-vaunted project, using Japanese "Shinkansen" technology, was launched in 2017 by PM Modi and his then-Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. What's the scorecard? How far has the project come? WION Decodes. Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project Back in 2017, India and Japan agreed to a strategic partnership to introduce and co-manufacture the next-generation E10 Shinkansen bullet trains on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. The project at the time was planned to be completed by 2023. The ambitious project to introduce India's first high-speed bullet train line has, however, been mired in cost overruns and delays. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-ties-why-japan-is-betting-big-on-india-from-china-1-to-indo-pacific-strategy-1782888145108/embed Partial opening expected by 2027 Almost a decade after work began on the high-speed bullet train line, a section of the project between Mumbai, India's financial capital and Ahmedabad, the key city in Modi's home state of Gujarat, may become operational by 2027, say Indian railway ministry officials. Talking to AFP, Dharmendra Tewari, Indian Railways' additional director general, said that "a considerable amount of work on the entire corridor has already been completed". "The first section of the bullet train will be operational in 2027, between the cities of Surat and Vapi," he added. The two cities, Surat, the global diamond cutting centre, and Vapi, known for its chemical and manufacturing industries, are about 100 kilometres apart. Also read | India-Japan ties to go beyond the handshake E10 deal, retired E5/E3 sets The partial opening has been made possible by "Japan’s offer to introduce, in the early 2030s, the E10 series of the Shinkansen that runs on the Japanese signalling system," said MEA in a press release, dated 29 August, 2025. Japan, as per reports, has agreed to bypass older E5/E3 models on the main route, choosing instead to debut the next-generation E10 in India concurrently with its rollout in Japan. "The knowledge, skills and capabilities developed through the project are expected to support future high-speed rail corridors across the country," the government's plan reads. The proposed network would feature an east-west corridor connecting New Delhi with Varanasi, one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, before extending to the strategically important city of Siliguri, the gateway linking India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country. A second corridor would run roughly north to south from Ahmedabad to Mumbai, then stretch southeast across the country to connect key technology hubs, including Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The Indian government describes these planned routes as “growth connectors.”

Before the Modi-Takaichi summit, India's bullet train report card looks like this: E10 deal locked in, Surat-Vapi section nearing completion, manufacturing ambitions expanding, but cost overruns and delays continue to shadow the project. WION Decodes.

Bullet train scorecard before Modi-Takaichi summit: E10 deal, 2027 partial opening, 8-year delay

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will be in India on Wednesday for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. This marks Takaichi's first visit as prime minister, and arguably her most consequential, with her bet on India travelling through to the north east.In an op-ed for the Times of India, Takaichi invoked Swami Vivekananda and former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's old formula - "a strong India is good for Japan, and a strong Japan is good for India" - to frame what's really an economic-security pact wearing cultural clothing.She also tied Japan's updated free and open Indo-Pacific vision directly to India's Mahasagar doctrine, and the Northeast is where that alignment gets concrete. The Japan-funded Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, Matarbari port in Bangladesh, and an "industrial value chain" stretching from Assam through Bangladesh to ASEAN.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/semiconductors-to-biogas-what-s-really-on-the-table-at-the-modi-takaichi-summit-wion-decodes-1782721446269">Semiconductors to biogas: What’s really on the table at the Modi-Takaichi summit? | WION Decodes</a>Tokyo isn't just building infrastructure - it's building an alternate corridor that bypasses Chinese chokepoints entirely.The numbers explain the urgency.Japan is India's fifth-largest investor, with cumulative FDI at $48 billion, and a 10-trillion-yen private investment target set for the next decade.Around 1,500 Japanese firms operate in India, many relocating out of a China-facing regulatory and geopolitical friction, reinforced this week by joint Chinese-Russian bomber patrols over the Sea of Japan that forced Tokyo and Seoul to scramble jets.Expect movement on semiconductors, critical minerals, AI, and defence tech.That will build on last year's joint declaration on security cooperation and drills like Malabar and Dharma Guardian.The signal is clear: with Beijing squeezing on one side and Washington's trade unpredictability on the other, Japan is betting big on India. And the Northeast, quietly, is becoming the physical spine of that bet.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-ties-why-japan-is-betting-big-on-india-from-china-1-to-indo-pacific-strategy-1782888145108/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-ties-why-japan-is-betting-big-on-india-from-china-1-to-indo-pacific-strategy-1782888145108/embed</a><h2>Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy</h2>A coalition of nations, most notably Japan, the United States, India, and Australia, support the strategic geopolitical and economic framework known as the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). In order to maintain the Indo-Pacific's accessibility and prosperity, it supports free commerce, freedom of navigation, regional stability, and the rule of law.The three primary goals of the FOIP framework are to guarantee regional peace and prosperity:Rule of Law and Freedom of Navigation are the main goals. That is to ensure international maritime rules allow all countries to sail and trade without coercion or territorial claims impeding peaceful movement.Promoting connectivity, free trade agreements, and investments in high-quality infrastructure are all ways to achieve economic prosperity.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/takaichi-s-india-visit-decoding-india-japan-joint-vision-for-next-decade-and-its-eight-pillars-1782856460066">Takaichi's India visit: Decoding India-Japan Joint Vision for Next Decade</a>This frequently acts as a straightforward substitute framework for other regional megaprojects.Peace and stability include addressing marine threats, strengthening law enforcement capabilities, and enhancing responses to natural catastrophes and humanitarian crises.So, Takaichi's India visit brings with it a broader economic and strategic partnership plan.

The signal is clear: with Beijing squeezing on one side and Washington's trade unpredictability on the other, Japan is betting big on India. And the Northeast, quietly, is becoming the physical spine of that bet.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will be in India on Wednesday for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. This marks Takaichi's first visit as prime minister, and arguably her most consequential, with her bet on India travelling through to the north east. In an op-ed for the Times of India, Takaichi invoked Swami Vivekananda and former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's old formula - "a strong India is good for Japan, and a strong Japan is good for India" - to frame what's really an economic-security pact wearing cultural clothing. She also tied Japan's updated free and open Indo-Pacific vision directly to India's Mahasagar doctrine, and the Northeast is where that alignment gets concrete. The Japan-funded Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, Matarbari port in Bangladesh, and an "industrial value chain" stretching from Assam through Bangladesh to ASEAN. Also read | Semiconductors to biogas: What’s really on the table at the Modi-Takaichi summit? | WION Decodes Tokyo isn't just building infrastructure - it's building an alternate corridor that bypasses Chinese chokepoints entirely. The numbers explain the urgency. Japan is India's fifth-largest investor, with cumulative FDI at $48 billion, and a 10-trillion-yen private investment target set for the next decade. Around 1,500 Japanese firms operate in India, many relocating out of a China-facing regulatory and geopolitical friction, reinforced this week by joint Chinese-Russian bomber patrols over the Sea of Japan that forced Tokyo and Seoul to scramble jets. Expect movement on semiconductors, critical minerals, AI, and defence tech. That will build on last year's joint declaration on security cooperation and drills like Malabar and Dharma Guardian. The signal is clear: with Beijing squeezing on one side and Washington's trade unpredictability on the other, Japan is betting big on India. And the Northeast, quietly, is becoming the physical spine of that bet. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-ties-why-japan-is-betting-big-on-india-from-china-1-to-indo-pacific-strategy-1782888145108/embed Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy A coalition of nations, most notably Japan, the United States, India, and Australia, support the strategic geopolitical and economic framework known as the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). In order to maintain the Indo-Pacific's accessibility and prosperity, it supports free commerce, freedom of navigation, regional stability, and the rule of law. The three primary goals of the FOIP framework are to guarantee regional peace and prosperity: Rule of Law and Freedom of Navigation are the main goals. That is to ensure international maritime rules allow all countries to sail and trade without coercion or territorial claims impeding peaceful movement. Promoting connectivity, free trade agreements, and investments in high-quality infrastructure are all ways to achieve economic prosperity. Also read | Takaichi's India visit: Decoding India-Japan Joint Vision for Next Decade This frequently acts as a straightforward substitute framework for other regional megaprojects. Peace and stability include addressing marine threats, strengthening law enforcement capabilities, and enhancing responses to natural catastrophes and humanitarian crises. So, Takaichi's India visit brings with it a broader economic and strategic partnership plan.

The signal is clear: with Beijing squeezing on one side and Washington's trade unpredictability on the other, Japan is betting big on India. And the Northeast, quietly, is becoming the physical spine of that bet.

India-Japan ties to go beyond the handshake

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives in New Delhi this week for her first official state visit to India. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, the summit offers a chance to "review and strengthen the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest."What are New Delhi and Tokyo actually trying to get done? WION Decodes.<h2>The Core Agenda</h2>The upcoming talks will cover everything from microchips and rare earths to clean energy and workforce migration. The timing is no coincidence. Both nations are actively trying to insulate their economies from China while handling an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-10-trillion-test-can-japan-double-its-india-investment-push-after-early-5-trillion-success-1782811143826">The ¥10 trillion test: Can Japan double its India investment push after early ¥5 trillion success?</a>Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the visit, noting that the two leaders want to advance the "Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade"—a framework established during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan last September. The goal is simple: tie Japan's tech and capital to India's scale to build economic security.Here is a breakdown of what is driving the talks behind closed doors.<h2>Semiconductors: Tying together equipment and scale</h2>Microchips are expected to feature prominently in the talks. India is spending billions in subsidies to turn itself into a global electronics manufacturing hub. Japan, meanwhile, doesn’t just make chips; it controls the specialised chemicals, precision equipment, and advanced machinery required to build them.The two countries laid the groundwork last year with the India-Japan Economic Security Initiative. During the upcoming July 1 to 3 summit, officials are expected to focus on moving beyond high-level agreements to secure actual technology transfers, factory investments, and bulletproof supply chains.<h2>Critical minerals: Breaking the monopoly on rare earths</h2>Building semiconductors or electric vehicles without critical minerals isn’t possible, and right now, China controls the lion's share of them. Tokyo has spent over a decade trying to diversify its supply of rare earths, lithium, and cobalt. India, meanwhile, boasts the world’s third-largest reserves at 7.2 million tonnes.The summit will likely yield concrete plans for joint exploration, processing, and sourcing agreements. The goal is to create a secure pipeline of materials for EV batteries, defence hardware, and green tech that doesn't rely on a single geopolitical rival.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-s-pm-sanae-takaichi-arrives-in-india-for-annual-summit-1782802890504">Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi arrives in India for annual summit</a><h2>Clean energy: The shift to biogas</h2>Energy security is a massive vulnerability for both countries. Thus, this summit is expected to also focus on biogas-powered mobility.Notably, Japanese automaker Suzuki is already producing biogas in India, using agricultural waste to power vehicles. It fits perfectly with New Delhi's push to cut its massive crude oil import bill.Supply chains: The China factorThe pandemic and rising geopolitical friction proved that concentrated supply chains are a massive liability. Japan and India increasingly view each other as trusted partners. Modi and Takaichi are also expected to look into expanding alternative manufacturing networks for pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and advanced industrial goods.<h2>Talent exchange: Filling Japan's labour gap</h2>One of the most significant pieces of this partnership isn't about freight; it’s about people. During the August 2025 summit in Tokyo, Modi and Takaichi’s predecessor, Ishiba Shigeru, unveiled a human resource Action Plan aimed at exchanging over 500,000 people over five years.A major pillar of that plan includes sending 50,000 skilled Indian professionals to Japan to help ease critical labour shortages in the tech and engineering sectors.<h2>Defence and Indo-Pacific security</h2>Finally, we can expect a heavy focus on security. Last year, the two nations signed a landmark Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, pledging deeper military ties. According to Japan’s Kyodo news agency, the two sides pledged to bolster security cooperation and agreed to expand drills between Japan's Self-Defence Forces and the Indian Armed Forces.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's first official visit to India will happen from July 1 to July 3. The discussions with PM Narendra Modi are likely to centre on semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, supply-chain resilience, skilled worker mobility and defence cooperation.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives in New Delhi this week for her first official state visit to India. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, the summit offers a chance to "review and strengthen the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest." What are New Delhi and Tokyo actually trying to get done? WION Decodes. The Core Agenda The upcoming talks will cover everything from microchips and rare earths to clean energy and workforce migration. The timing is no coincidence. Both nations are actively trying to insulate their economies from China while handling an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific. Also read | The ¥10 trillion test: Can Japan double its India investment push after early ¥5 trillion success? Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the visit, noting that the two leaders want to advance the "Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade"—a framework established during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan last September. The goal is simple: tie Japan's tech and capital to India's scale to build economic security. Here is a breakdown of what is driving the talks behind closed doors. Semiconductors: Tying together equipment and scale Microchips are expected to feature prominently in the talks. India is spending billions in subsidies to turn itself into a global electronics manufacturing hub. Japan, meanwhile, doesn’t just make chips; it controls the specialised chemicals, precision equipment, and advanced machinery required to build them. The two countries laid the groundwork last year with the India-Japan Economic Security Initiative. During the upcoming July 1 to 3 summit, officials are expected to focus on moving beyond high-level agreements to secure actual technology transfers, factory investments, and bulletproof supply chains. Critical minerals: Breaking the monopoly on rare earths Building semiconductors or electric vehicles without critical minerals isn’t possible, and right now, China controls the lion's share of them. Tokyo has spent over a decade trying to diversify its supply of rare earths, lithium, and cobalt. India, meanwhile, boasts the world’s third-largest reserves at 7.2 million tonnes. The summit will likely yield concrete plans for joint exploration, processing, and sourcing agreements. The goal is to create a secure pipeline of materials for EV batteries, defence hardware, and green tech that doesn't rely on a single geopolitical rival. Also read | Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi arrives in India for annual summit Clean energy: The shift to biogas Energy security is a massive vulnerability for both countries. Thus, this summit is expected to also focus on biogas-powered mobility. Notably, Japanese automaker Suzuki is already producing biogas in India, using agricultural waste to power vehicles. It fits perfectly with New Delhi's push to cut its massive crude oil import bill. Supply chains: The China factor The pandemic and rising geopolitical friction proved that concentrated supply chains are a massive liability. Japan and India increasingly view each other as trusted partners. Modi and Takaichi are also expected to look into expanding alternative manufacturing networks for pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and advanced industrial goods. Talent exchange: Filling Japan's labour gap One of the most significant pieces of this partnership isn't about freight; it’s about people. During the August 2025 summit in Tokyo, Modi and Takaichi’s predecessor, Ishiba Shigeru, unveiled a human resource Action Plan aimed at exchanging over 500,000 people over five years. A major pillar of that plan includes sending 50,000 skilled Indian professionals to Japan to help ease critical labour shortages in the tech and engineering sectors. Defence and Indo-Pacific security Finally, we can expect a heavy focus on security. Last year, the two nations signed a landmark Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, pledging deeper military ties. According to Japan’s Kyodo news agency, the two sides pledged to bolster security cooperation and agreed to expand drills between Japan's Self-Defence Forces and the Indian Armed Forces.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's first official visit to India will happen from July 1 to July 3. The discussions with PM Narendra Modi are likely to centre on semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, supply-chain resilience, skilled worker mobility and defence cooperation.

Semiconductors to biogas: What’s really on the table at the Modi-Takaichi summit? | WION Decodes