Modi joins Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba for bullet train ride as Tokyo-New Delhi strengthen ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, travelled on the iconic Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Sendai on Saturday, marking the final leg of his two-day official visit to Japan. The leaders covered the 370-kilometre distance together, in what was described as a symbolic gesture of friendship and partnership.On reaching Sendai, PM Modi met Indian loco pilots currently undergoing specialised training with Japanese Railways. His arrival drew enthusiastic local crowds, who greeted him with chants of “Modi-san, welcome!”

Sharing their journey online, Prime Minister Ishiba posted on X: “On my way to Sendai with Prime Minister Modi. As with last night, I will be accompanying him in the car.”

Reached Sendai. Travelled with PM Ishiba to this city on the Shinkansen.@shigeruishiba pic.twitter.com/qBc4bU1Pdt

– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2025

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) hailed the ride as a powerful reflection of bilateral goodwill. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “A journey of friendship and progress. In a unique gesture symbolizing the warmth of the India-Japan friendship, PM Narendra Modi and PM Shigeru Ishiba travelled together to Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture on the Shinkansen.”

Earlier in Tokyo, Modi held talks with governors of 16 Japanese prefectures, advocating for deeper state-to-prefecture collaboration under an initiative launched at the 15th Annual India-Japan Summit.

Writing on X, he said: “This morning in Tokyo, interacted with the governors of 16 prefectures of Japan. State-prefecture cooperation is a vital pillar of India-Japan friendship. This is also why a separate initiative on it was launched during the 15th Annual India-Japan Summit yesterday.”

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Emphasising opportunities for joint ventures, PM Modi noted: “There is immense scope to cooperate in areas like trade, innovation, entrepreneurship and more. Futuristic sectors like Startups, tech and AI can also be beneficial.”

The MEA reinforced this sentiment in its own statement: “Taking greater strides in the steadfast India-Japan ties. PM Narendra Modi met with the Governors of 16 prefectures in Tokyo.” The ministry confirmed that discussions focused on cooperation in technology, innovation, investment, skills, start-ups and SMEs.

Mr Modi underlined that India and Japan’s partnership, anchored in civilisational ties and mutual trust, was flourishing. He further urged that bilateral engagement should expand beyond the capital cities of Tokyo and New Delhi to include regional stakeholders.

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