Dek: In her first week in power, Japan’s first woman Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has set a bold tone — doubling defence targets, reaffirming the Quad, and reaching out to India and the US for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
Samay in 60 Seconds
- Sanae Takaichi held her first phone call with US President Donald Trump ahead of his Japan visit.
- She pledged to raise Japan’s defence spend to 2% of GDP by March 2026 — two years earlier than planned.
- Takaichi reaffirmed the Quad partnership and called India a “crucial partner” in maintaining Indo-Pacific stability.
- Trump congratulated her on becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister and promised to “elevate the alliance.”
- Japan’s new government will also review national security and immigration policies.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Leaders Involved | Sanae Takaichi (Japan) & Donald Trump (US) |
| Call Duration | Approx. 10 minutes |
| Defence Target | 2% of GDP by March 2026 |
| Strategic Focus | US-Japan Alliance, Quad, Indo-Pacific, India Partnership |
| Upcoming Events | Trump’s Japan Visit (Oct 27–29, 2025); Quad Summit in India (TBD) |
What Happened — The Tokyo-Washington Call
Just days after taking office, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke to US President Donald Trump ahead of his visit to Japan. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared goal of “strengthening the Japan–US alliance,” with Trump congratulating Takaichi and calling her leadership “tremendous news for the incredible people of Japan.”
Speaking from Malaysia, where both leaders attended the ASEAN summit, Takaichi told reporters that Japan remains “an indispensable partner in the US strategy toward China and the Indo-Pacific.”
Why It Matters — Japan, India, and the Quad
Takaichi’s announcement to advance Japan’s defence target to 2% of GDP by 2026 signals Tokyo’s growing assertiveness in regional security. Her message to India was equally clear — Japan sees New Delhi as a “crucial partner” for maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Assistant Minister Toshihiro Kitamura confirmed to The Hindu that the new PM is “fully committed” to deepening the Japan–India Strategic and Global Partnership.
By reviving former PM Shinzo Abe’s Indo-Pacific vision, Takaichi positions Japan as both a diplomatic stabiliser and a defence power aligned with India, Australia, and the US under the Quad framework.
Impact on You — The Indo-Pacific Reset
For India, Takaichi’s foreign policy direction could mean renewed defence cooperation, technology partnerships, and workforce exchange opportunities. Japan’s Action Plan with India — targeting 5 lakh professionals over the next five years — is expected to receive a fresh push under her leadership.
Had a good and candid conversation with @realDonaldTrump today and truly appreciated his warm congratulatory message on my appointment as Prime Minister. Together with him, I am determined to elevate the Japan–U.S. Alliance to even greater heights.
— 高市早苗 (@takaichi_sanae) October 25, 2025
Starting tomorrow, I’ll be…
In geopolitical terms, the Takaichi–Trump alignment may restore balance in the region amid China’s expanding influence, setting the tone for a renewed Indo-Pacific alliance.
Samay’s Voice — When Facts Meet Fire
“Japan’s Iron Lady isn’t just defending her nation — she’s redrawing the Indo-Pacific map with India at its core.”
Street FAQs
Q: Why is Japan increasing its defence budget now?
Because of rising security concerns from China, North Korea, and Russia. Takaichi wants to fast-track Japan’s military modernisation by two years.
Q: What’s the Quad and why does it matter?
The Quad is a strategic grouping of India, Japan, Australia, and the US aimed at ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Q: How does India fit into Takaichi’s plan?
India is seen as a unique partner in technology, defence, and human capital — central to Japan’s Indo-Pacific diplomacy.
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Sources
- Nikkei Asia
- The Hindu
- Official statements from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s X (Twitter) post
