Praise For India, China Hawk: What Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s Landslide Win Means For New Delhi

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 12:00 IST

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi has, in the past, praised India as a democratic, technological and manufacturing partner

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives in Sunday’s general election, handing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a decisive mandate to advance her conservative policy agenda, Kyodo News reported.

Crossing the two-thirds threshold of 310 seats in the 465-member lower house allows the LDP to pursue constitutional revision and pass legislation even if it is rejected by the upper House of Councillors, where the ruling coalition remains in a minority. The LDP is the first party in postwar Japan to achieve such a margin, according to Kyodo News.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Japanese PM Takaichi following her ruling coalition’s projected historic victory in snap elections for Japan’s lower house, the House of Representatives, emphasising that India-Japan ties remain vital for advancing global peace, stability, and shared prosperity through their robust Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi wrote: “"Congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your landmark victory in the elections to the House of Representatives! Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership plays a vital role in enhancing global peace, stability and prosperity. I am confident that under your able leadership, we will continue to take the India-Japan friendship to greater heights."

India-Japan relations

India and Japan have shared interests in a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific, cooperation in Quad (with U.S. and Australia), and diversification of supply chains and technology partnerships. Following former PM Shinzo Abe’s Indo-Pacific policy, Takaichi may continue and deepen Japan’s strategic engagement with India.

She has, in the past, praised India as a democratic, technological and manufacturing partner. In her first address to the Japanese Parliament on October 24, 2025, Takaichi explicitly identified India as a critical partner for regional stability. “In order to promote the main pillar of Tokyo’s diplomacy, a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, India is a crucial partner," she said.

During her first formal conversation with PM Modi on October 29, 2025, she emphasised the depth of the bilateral relationship. She expressed her intention to work with PM Modi to “open a new golden chapter in the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership." She noted that because both countries “share fundamental values and strategic interests," Japan intends to further advance cooperation in security and the economy.

At a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit on November 23, 2025, she reaffirmed her dedication to the partnership and also expressed a desire to work together to make Japan-India relations “more robust and prosperous".

Following her win, Japan is expected to remain an active partner with India on defense dialogues, infrastructure investment, and technology cooperation — especially in areas like cybersecurity and critical supply chains.

Increasing Japan-India collaboration aligns with Japan’s vision of coalition building among democratic nations to manage regional security risks — a policy space India is also actively engaging.

Takaichi is considered a ‘China hawk’

Takaichi is widely described as a “China hawk". She has been highly critical of Beijing and is seen as favoring a tougher regional posture toward Chinese influence and military activity. She has criticised Chinese economic practices such as alleged intellectual property theft and argued for reducing Japan’s economic dependence on China.

Takaichi supports a stronger Japanese security posture in East Asia, including increased defense spending, a more assertive stance on Taiwan (echoing that a Taiwan crisis would be a “Japan emergency"), and bolstered intelligence and anti-espionage frameworks.

Her government’s rhetoric on China, especially over Taiwan and territorial disputes, has strained diplomatic ties since the election.

Chinese media and officials have expressed concern about her election and the potential for heightened tensions or diplomatic friction, especially if Japan pursues stronger security cooperation with the U.S. and allies.

What India can look forward to

Stronger strategic partnership: Takaichi is likely to continue active cooperation with India in regional security dialogues, including the Quad and shared defense exercises. Expect more political, technological, and economic collaboration aimed at balancing China’s influence.

Expanded defense and security cooperation: Japan may push deeper defense ties with India, including intelligence sharing, logistics cooperation, and possibly more coordinated approaches toward maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

Economic cooperation and supply-chain resilience: Japan has an interest in reducing economic over-dependence on China — this aligns with Indian priorities and may encourage joint ventures, especially in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and clean energy.

Quadrilateral and regional forums: India can expect active Japanese engagement in Quad initiatives and broader region-wide frameworks for infrastructure, security, and development cooperation.

With Agency Inputs

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