Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit to Japan and China later this month. This twin-leg tour will encompass the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo and the 25th Heads of State meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin, China.
Briefing the media today, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasised the importance of PM Modi’s Japan visit, which will take place on August 29-30. The visit marks his first standalone bilateral trip to Japan since 2018 and his first annual summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Describing Japan as a vital strategic partner, Misri noted that this summit would allow both leaders to conduct a comprehensive review of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The bilateral agenda includes discussions on trade, investment, defense collaboration and technology sharing, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in infrastructure, mobility and cultural ties. Key announcements may be expected in the defense sector, where India and Japan have already launched initiatives like the joint development of the UNICORN radar system.
Talks are also ongoing about cooperation in ship maintenance and technology sharing between India’s DRDO and Japan’s ATLA. In the space sector, both countries are working on the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, in tandem with India’s Chandrayaan-5 program.
Beyond formal talks in Tokyo, PM Modi is also scheduled to interact with Japanese business leaders and regional political figures. Discussions are expected to strengthen business ties and foster state-to-prefecture collaboration, expanding people-to-people and economic engagement.
The second leg of the PM’s tour takes him to Tianjin for the 25th SCO Summit on August 31-September 1. Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal outlined India’s ongoing commitment to the SCO platform, particularly its foundational focus on countering terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Since becoming a full member in 2017, India has significantly contributed to SCO mechanisms and dialogues. During its 2023 presidency, India initiated several practical collaborations, including on startups, traditional medicine, youth engagement, and cultural exchange. Varanasi was designated the first cultural capital of the SCO during India’s chairmanship.
Security cooperation remains a top priority, particularly in light of recent terrorist incidents like the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Lal confirmed that India is working with other member states to ensure that the final joint declaration strongly condemns terrorism, including cross-border acts. However, the text of the declaration is still under negotiation.
Responding to questions on possible bilateral meetings during the SCO Summit, Foreign Secretary Misri indicated that discussions are ongoing, and further details will be shared closer to the event.
In response to media queries, officials also confirmed that regional security dynamics, Quad cooperation, and issues such as US tariffs may come up during bilateral meetings on the sidelines of both Summits.
As the Prime Minister prepares for these high-stakes visits, both engagements are expected to strengthen India’s regional leadership, deepen strategic partnerships, and reaffirm its stand on pressing global issues.