PM Modi congratulates Japan’s newly-elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended congratulations to Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s newly-elected and first woman Prime Minister. He emphasized that the ever-strengthening partnership between India and Japan plays a vital role in ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “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.”
Sanae Takaichi, chief of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was elected Prime Minister by Parliament on Tuesday, becoming the first woman to hold the post in the country’s history.
According to Kyodo News, the 64-year-old leader secured 237 of 465 votes in the Lower House, defeating Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), who received 149 votes. Her decisive victory in the first round of voting allowed her to avoid a runoff.
In her address to LDP members following her election, Takaichi outlined her vision for rebuilding Japan through unity and relentless effort across generations.
“I will keep my promises. We can only rebuild by reuniting every generation and through everyone’s participation,” she said. “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 urged lawmakers and citizens alike to contribute tirelessly within their areas of expertise, adding,
“To rebuild Japan and the LDP, we must each work with humility. I, too, will do so – please guide me as I take on this responsibility.”
As Japan’s new Prime Minister, Takaichi faces several pressing challenges – including reviving the sluggish economy, restoring public trust amid scandals that have affected the ruling party, and maintaining unity within the LDP.
On Monday, Takaichi also reached a formal political cooperation agreement with Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai), signaling her intent to broaden political alliances as she takes office.
