EAM Jaishankar Congratulates Motegi Toshimitsu on Appointment as Japan’s Foreign Minister

October 21, 2025

New Delhi/Tokyo: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday congratulated Motegi Toshimitsu on his appointment as Japan’s Foreign Minister, expressing confidence in further strengthening the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

“Congratulate my friend Motegi Toshimitsu on his appointment as Foreign Minister of Japan. Look forward to working together to advance our Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” Jaishankar posted on X.

Motegi previously served as Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs from September 2019 to October 2021, playing a key role in advancing Tokyo’s international diplomatic outreach.

Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Woman Prime Minister

Motegi’s appointment came shortly after Sanae Takaichi was elected as Japan’s new Prime Minister, becoming the first woman to hold the position.

The election was confirmed following a runoff vote in the Japanese Parliament. Takaichi received 125 votes in the Upper House, securing just one vote above the required majority, after winning 237 votes in the Lower House earlier in the day.

PM Modi Extends Greetings to Takaichi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Takaichi on her historic election, expressing optimism about enhancing India–Japan ties.

“Heartiest congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Our deepening ties are vital for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” PM Modi posted on X.

Takaichi’s Political Journey

A former television anchor, Sanae Takaichi, 64, entered politics in 1993 as an independent member of Japan’s Lower House representing Nara Prefecture.

She joined the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in 1996 and made her Cabinet debut under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as the Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs.

Takaichi later became the first woman to chair the LDP’s Policy Research Council and went on to serve as Japan’s Economic Security Minister (2022–2024). She also holds the record as the longest-serving Minister for Internal Affairs, having served multiple terms in that role.

Leadership Victory

A leading voice in the LDP’s conservative faction, Takaichi was elected party leader on Saturday, securing 185 votes to defeat Shinjiro Shinjiro, who garnered 156 votes in the runoff. None of the five candidates had achieved a majority in the initial round of voting.