Why PM Modi called Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi his ‘younger sister’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprised many during a press interaction following the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit when he referred to his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, as his “little sister”—an unusually personal remark from the Indian leader.

The comment stemmed from a private conversation between the two leaders at Hyderabad House, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

During the meeting, Takaichi reportedly told Modi that former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was like an elder brother to her and someone she deeply admired. She also said that because Abe shared a close bond with Modi and held him in high regard, she now looked upon the Indian Prime Minister as an elder brother as well.

Modi shared a warm personal relationship with Abe, who was assassinated on July 8, 2022, during a campaign event in Nara. Under Abe’s leadership, India-Japan relations reached unprecedented levels, with the two countries significantly expanding cooperation in areas ranging from strategic affairs and defence to economic and technological partnerships.

Following Abe’s assassination, Modi travelled to Tokyo in September 2022 to attend the former Japanese leader’s state funeral and later met his widow, Akie Abe, to offer condolences.

Officials said Modi’s reference to Takaichi as his “little sister” reflected the personal understanding reached during their private meeting and their shared respect for Abe’s legacy.

Responding to the remark, Takaichi thanked Modi for calling her his “beautiful younger sister” and said the sibling bond symbolised the warmth and mutual understanding the two leaders had developed during their discussions.