Japan PM Sanae Takaichi expected to visit India and Guwahati from July 1 to 3
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to visit India from July 1 to 3, with Guwahati likely to host the bilateral summit, according to sources. If confirmed, it would be her first bilateral visit to India since taking office in October last year. The trip would also mark an early test of the relationship between the two governments under Takaichi's leadership.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Takaichi in France on the sidelines of the G7 leaders' summit last week, where he said he had a "great interaction" with her. Modi added that India and Japan would continue to deepen ties in diverse sectors, with trade and investment a priority. The two leaders have also met twice in the past eight months, including in South Africa on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit in November.
Guwahati is being considered as the summit venue because Japan has been involved in projects in India's north-east under New Delhi's Act East policy. That policy has sought to strengthen India's economic and strategic links with south-east and east Asia, and Japan has been one of the key external partners in that effort. The choice of venue would therefore carry symbolic weight as well as practical significance for the bilateral agenda.
The reported visit comes after a period of continuity in India-Japan ties, including agreements signed during Modi's Japan visit in August 2025. Those included a framework for defence ties and a 10-year roadmap to expand economic partnership. The two countries have also been discussing economic security, defence cooperation and talent mobility, areas that have featured in recent high-level contacts between Modi and Takaichi.
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Takaichi's rise to the premiership followed a difficult period for Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which suffered major election losses last year. She is a hardline conservative and a long-time party figure who previously served in several senior posts, including economic security minister and internal affairs minister. Her first bilateral trip to India would be closely watched for signs of how she intends to shape Japan's regional diplomacy and economic priorities.
What remains unclear is whether Guwahati will be formally confirmed as the summit venue and what agreements, if any, will be announced during the visit. The timing and final programme have not yet been officially set out in the material available. The next key development will be confirmation from the two governments and any details on the agenda for the talks.
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