‘Will Take India-Japan Friendship to Greater Heights’: PM Modi Congratulates Japan’s First Female PM Sanae Takaichi | Image: AP
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for her “historic victory” in the country, becoming the first woman candidate to win the top post.
In his congratulatory message, PM Modi said, “Our special strategic and global partnership plays an important role in enhancing global peace, stability and prosperity. I am confident that under your able leadership, we will take India-Japan friendship to greater heights.”
Crossed the mark of 233 seats required for majority.
Takaichi’s coalition was projected to win 328 of the 465 seats in the lower house of the Japanese Parliament. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) alone crossed the mark of 233 seats required for majority. Takaichi, a conservative leader, is said to be inspired by Britain’s “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher.
With its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, Takaichi’s coalition now has a two-thirds majority of seats in the Japanese Parliament. This huge number of seats will help them control the upper house of Parliament, which they do not currently control.
The impressive election result will help Takaichi pursue the country’s right-wing agenda, which aims to boost the island nation’s economy and military capabilities amid rising tensions with China as she seeks to strengthen ties with the United States.
Although Takaichi is very popular, the Liberal Democratic Party, which has ruled Japan for most of the past seven decades, has been troubled by funding and religious scandals in recent years. Takaichi called early elections on Sunday, just three months after taking office, in hopes of turning things around before her popularity waned.
Takaichi took office as Japan’s first female PM in October 2025 and promised to “work, work, work”, and her playful and tough style has become popular among youth.
Takaichi’s right-wing policies
The landslide victory of Takaichi’s coalition signals a rightward shift in Japan’s security, immigration and other policies. His right-wing ally and JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura said his party would act as an “accelerator”.
Takaichi has promised to revise security and defense policies to strengthen Japan’s offensive military capabilities. It would remove the ban on arms exports and move away from post-war pacifist principles. She is also emphasizing on strict policies to stop foreigners and espionage. He also intends to increase the country’s defense spending.
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