Tokyo, Aug 30, 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Japan entered its second day on Saturday with a packed schedule that underscored the deepening ties between New Delhi and Tokyo. From meetings with governors of Japanese prefectures to a symbolic bullet train ride and a planned tour of the Tokyo Electron Factory, the visit has already been hailed by both leaders as “productive” and forward-looking.

A Warm Welcome in Sendai

The day began with an enthusiastic welcome for PM Modi in Sendai, where crowds greeted him with chants of “Modi-san welcome.” The warm reception highlighted the goodwill and people-to-people connect that forms the bedrock of India-Japan relations. Modi travelled to the city on the famed Shinkansen bullet train alongside his counterpart, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in a symbolic gesture of friendship and cooperation.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi shared his excitement about reaching Sendai, expressing gratitude for the affection shown by the Japanese people. Ishiba, too, posted about travelling with Modi, stating that he was looking forward to spending the day together.

Meeting with Prefecture Governors

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi held talks with governors from 16 Japanese prefectures. The meeting focused on enhancing subnational cooperation through the State-Prefecture Partnership Initiative launched during the 15th Annual Summit. Modi emphasized the vast opportunities for collaboration in areas such as technology, infrastructure, clean energy, and skill development. He encouraged Japanese prefectures to engage directly with Indian states to accelerate shared progress and strengthen local-level partnerships.

Condemnation of Pahalgam Attack

Both leaders also used the occasion to send a strong message against terrorism. In a joint statement, India and Japan “unequivocally and strongly” condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. They called for decisive global action against UN-listed terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and their proxies. The joint stance reaffirmed the countries’ commitment to maintaining regional and global security.

Recognising Indian Train Drivers in Japan

In a lighter yet significant moment, Modi and Ishiba met Indian train drivers who are currently undergoing training at JR East in Japan. The interaction symbolised the growing scope of people-to-people exchange and India’s strong involvement in Japan’s transportation sector, which has long been a model of efficiency and innovation.

Productive Outcomes and Next Steps

Reflecting on his engagements, Prime Minister Modi described the visit as yielding “productive outcomes.” He said he was optimistic about the future of the India-Japan partnership, which he believes is poised to “scale newer heights in the times to come.”

The day’s program also included a grand lunch hosted by Prime Minister Ishiba in Modi’s honor. The meeting over lunch is expected to provide a more informal setting for both leaders to discuss future cooperation in key areas such as semiconductors, clean energy, and defense technology.

Later, the two leaders are scheduled to tour the Tokyo Electron Factory, one of Japan’s most advanced semiconductor and electronics facilities. The visit is being closely watched by industry observers, given India’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and Japan’s expertise in high-tech innovation.

A Strategic Visit Ahead of China Tour

PM Modi’s Japan visit is part of a broader diplomatic tour that will also take him to China. Analysts note that his engagements in Tokyo serve to consolidate India-Japan relations before he embarks on discussions with Beijing. The twin visits highlight India’s balancing act in Asia—strengthening partnerships with democratic allies while maintaining dialogue with its larger neighbour.

As Modi departs Japan later today, the visit is likely to be remembered for its symbolism, its substance, and its clear message: the India-Japan friendship is not only strong but also strategically vital for the region’s future.

PM Modi in Japan 🇮
From a warm Sendai welcome to a bullet train ride with PM Shigeru Ishiba, Day 2 of the visit highlights strong India-Japan ties.
Next stop → Tokyo Electron Factory tour

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