Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, agreeing to deepen cooperation in security, economy, and investment. In her address, she stressed maintaining the international order amid multiple crises and reaffirmed support for Ukraine. A warm embrace with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted personal diplomacy.
The Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 23 to 24, 2025, saw Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi engage in active diplomacy. On Saturday, November 23, in her address, Takaichi highlighted multiple crises facing the international community and condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine as an “outrageous act that shakes the very foundations of the international order.” She added, “It is important to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” expressing Japan's resolve to continue strong support for the country.
Takaichi also called for realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific as part of her diplomatic strategy. With the U.S. tariff policy in mind, she expressed commitment to developing “a rules-based, free and fair international economic order.” She described the World Trade Organization as the core of the multilateral trading system, adding that Japan “will actively contribute” to discussions on its reform.
On the same day, Takaichi shared a bonding moment with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The 64-year-old Japanese leader flung open her arms, calling out “Meloni!” before embracing the 48-year-old Italian counterpart, who clasped her hand and beamed while chatting. France’s Emmanuel Macron looked on in the background, making the interaction stand out amid the summit's formal setting.
On Sunday, November 24, as the summit concluded, Takaichi held her first in-person meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who took office last month. She asked Modi to work together on bilateral cooperation in fields including new technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, and economic security. The two leaders affirmed expanding cooperation to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region amid the increasingly severe security environment there.
Takaichi also met separately with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the summit's chair. The event marked Takaichi's diplomatic debut, strengthening international partnerships.
