Source HT
New Delhi: In a moment that stood out during the high-profile India-Japan Annual Summit, Narendra Modi referred to his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi as his “younger sister,” sparking curiosity and discussion across diplomatic and public circles.
While the remark appeared spontaneous during the joint press interaction, officials later revealed that it was rooted in a deeply personal and emotional exchange between the two leaders. According to sources familiar with the closed-door discussions, Takaichi shared that she had long considered former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as an elder brother figure.
Takaichi reportedly told Modi that since Abe had shared a close bond of respect and friendship with the Indian Prime Minister, she now looked up to Modi in a similar way—as an elder brother. Responding warmly to this sentiment, Modi embraced the relationship and publicly referred to her as his “younger sister,” symbolizing mutual trust and personal rapport.
The emotional undertone of the exchange is closely tied to the legacy of Shinzo Abe, who played a pivotal role in strengthening India-Japan relations and shared a strong personal friendship with Modi. Following Abe’s assassination in 2022, Modi had paid tribute by attending his state funeral in Tokyo, underscoring the depth of their connection.
Beyond the symbolism, the remark highlighted the growing warmth in India-Japan ties. Takaichi acknowledged the gesture with equal warmth, stating that the sibling bond reflected the understanding and alignment reached during their discussions.
The summit itself focused on expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, technology, and energy. However, this personal exchange added a human dimension to the diplomatic engagement, reinforcing the idea that strong international partnerships are often built on mutual respect and personal trust as much as strategic interests.
In essence, Modi’s “younger sister” remark was not merely a cultural expression, but a reflection of shared history, respect for a common mentor in Shinzo Abe, and a signal of the deepening relationship between India and Japan.
