The proposed summit-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are unlikely to be held in Guwahati as earlier anticipated, with the Japanese leader’s upcoming visit to India now expected to be confined to New Delhi, sources said. Takaichi is likely to undertake her first official visit to India from July 1 to 3 as part of the annual India–Japan summit process. While Guwahati had initially emerged as a probable venue for the high-level meeting, logistical constraints are understood to have led to a revision of the programme.
According to sources, Takaichi’s domestic commitments in Japan have left a limited window for the India visit, making travel outside the national capital difficult. The revised plan is expected to allow for a more streamlined schedule and focused bilateral engagements.
The development comes weeks after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had indicated the possibility of Guwahati hosting the summit. The prospect had generated significant interest, as it would have marked the first time an India–Japan annual summit was held in the Northeast.
Earlier reports suggested that Takaichi could have visited Assam accompanied by a delegation of over 50 Japanese business leaders and executives from major firms such as Suzuki Motor, Toyota Tsusho, and Itochu, highlighting growing Japanese interest in investment opportunities in the region.
The summit discussions are expected to centre on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, economic security, critical minerals, energy security, and supply chain resilience. Both sides are also likely to review progress in their long-term strategic partnership and deliberate on key regional and global developments.
If finalised, this will be Takaichi’s first visit to India since assuming office as Japan’s Prime Minister. Japanese media had earlier indicated that holding the summit in Assam could help deepen engagement with India’s Northeast and advance cooperation under the Act East policy.
The idea of hosting the summit in Guwahati also carried symbolic significance. A planned visit by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Assam in December 2019 for summit talks with Modi had been postponed amid protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
While there has been no official confirmation from either government regarding the final itinerary, indications suggest that the India–Japan summit is now likely to take place in New Delhi instead of Guwahati.
Follow us
