New Delhi, Oct 21 — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday congratulated Motegi Toshimitsu on his appointment as Japan’s new Foreign Minister and expressed confidence in further strengthening the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
“Congratulate my friend Motegi Toshimitsu on his appointment as Foreign Minister of Japan. Look forward to working together to advance our Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to Sanae Takaichi, who became Japan’s first woman Prime Minister after being elected by the Japanese Parliament.
In his message, Modi underscored the importance of India–Japan relations in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. “Heartiest congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Our deepening ties are vital for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Takaichi, who also serves as president of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), avoided a runoff in the Lower House after securing 237 votes, defeating Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party, who received 149 votes, according to Kyodo News.
In her victory speech to party members, Takaichi pledged to “rebuild Japan through the cooperation of every generation,” calling for relentless hard work. “We can only rebuild by reuniting every generation and with everybody’s participation. Because there are only a few of us, I ask everybody to work; work like a horse. I myself will cast aside the idea of work-life balance. I’ll work, work, work, work, and work,” she said.
Promising humility and openness to guidance, she added, “To rebuild Japan and the LDP, each of us must work tirelessly in our area of expertise. I’ll also work with humility, so please provide me your guidance.”
The election of Takaichi marks a historic moment in Japan’s political landscape, while both New Delhi and Tokyo reiterated their commitment to deepening cooperation across economic, security, and regional frameworks under their long-standing partnership.
