On March 21st, 2023, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited New Delhi, India on a nearly 27-hour visit amid global geopolitical turmoil over the Ukraine conflict and increasing concerns over China’s aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific. During his visit, Kishida met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders discussed several issues of mutual interest, including India’s G20 presidency and Japan’s G7 presidency.
As part of their itinerary, Kishida and Modi visited Bal Bodhi Tree at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi, where they were seen enjoying Indian street food delicacies such as lassi, pani puri, golgappe, aam-panna, and fried idlis. The video of Kishida relishing pani puri with Modi went viral on social media, with over 14.9 million views and 2.8 million likes.
PM Modi, said, “My friend PM @kishida230 enjoyed Indian snacks including Golgappas.”
PM Modi tweeted,”One of the aspects which connects India and Japan is the teachings of Lord Buddha. PM Kishida and I went to the Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. Sharing some glimpses.
Apart from savoring Indian food, the two leaders also shared a cup of chai from earthen pots while sitting on a park bench. The casual setting of their meeting and their friendly exchanges helped foster a warm rapport between the two leaders and deepened the bond between India and Japan.
Kishida’s visit to India was significant as it aimed to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, which share a common vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The two leaders also discussed ways to promote bilateral trade and investment, enhance cooperation in defense and security, and collaborate on climate change and renewable energy.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to India was a testament to the close and cordial relations between the two countries, which are based on shared values, mutual trust, and mutual respect. The visit also helped deepen the personal friendship between Kishida and Modi, who are committed to working together to build a better future for their respective countries and the region.
