Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and other emerging technologies during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday. This was their first in-person meeting since their telephone conversation on October 29, 2025.
The leaders reviewed progress under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. They noted developments since the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit and called for faster implementation of commitments across defence, security, trade, investment, small and medium enterprises, AI, critical minerals, semiconductors, infrastructure development, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Takaichi said Japan intends to “leverage both countries’ strengths to foster innovation and growth in the areas of critical and emerging technologies, such as semiconductors and AI, and to concretise cooperation in the area of economic security,” per news agency ANI.
She also conveyed strong support for the AI Summit that India will host in February 2026.
Modi said he would advance cooperation in these areas, including technology, economic security and innovation-led growth.
Indo-Pacific cooperation
Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of their partnership, describing India and Japan as valued partners and trusted friends. They emphasised that strong ties are essential for regional and global peace, prosperity and stability. They also agreed to continue working together for a free and open Indo-Pacific and to remain in regular contact.
Modi, who arrived in Johannesburg on November 22, also attended G20 sessions and held discussions with other world leaders on the sidelines.
