Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, August 30, 2025, concluded a successful two-day visit to Japan before arriving in China to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. His visit to Japan saw the signing of major agreements aimed at deepening bilateral ties, particularly in areas of defence, technology, and economic cooperation.
Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Japan Visit
✅ Semiconductor Push
- PM Modi travelled to Sendai, in the Miyagi prefecture, where he visited a semiconductor plant, underscoring India’s focus on technology and supply chain resilience.
✅ Major Agreements and Declarations
- 13 key agreements and declarations were signed between India and Japan.
- A framework for defence cooperation was formalised.
- A 10-year roadmap was adopted to significantly boost the economic partnership.
✅ Japanese Investment in India
- Japan set an ambitious investment target of 10 trillion yen (around ₹60,000 crore) in India over the next decade.
- The focus will be on manufacturing, mobility, innovation, infrastructure, and small businesses.
✅ Call for Stronger Ties
- PM Modi urged Japanese governors and Indian state governments to forge closer partnerships in start-ups, innovation, and next-generation infrastructure.
PM Modi’s Arrival in China for SCO Summit
- After wrapping up his Japan trip, PM Modi landed in Tianjin, China, to attend the annual SCO Summit on August 31 and September 1, 2025.
- The summit is expected to cover key regional issues, including security, trade, and connectivity.
- India’s participation highlights its growing role in shaping regional cooperation under the SCO framework.
Why This Visit Matters
- The Japan agreements signal a new phase of cooperation in defence, high-tech industries, and investment, crucial for India’s growth story.
- The SCO Summit in China offers India an opportunity to strengthen its regional influence and engage with neighbouring countries on pressing global challenges.
Final Word
PM Modi’s back-to-back visits to Japan and China underscore India’s strategic balancing in Asia. While the agreements with Japan will boost technology, defence, and economic growth, the SCO summit will allow India to play a key role in shaping the future of regional security and cooperation.
Source: The Hindu