Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a historic visit to Japan as India recalibrates its foreign policy amid the imposition of US President Donald Trump’s 50%. Before heading to China for the SCO summit, where the Indian PM will meet the Chinese President and the Russian President, Modi on Friday landed in Japan, where he underlined India’s political and economic strength. Modi said that India is on course to become the world’s third-largest economy.
US Imposes 50% Tariffs on Indian Imports
The Prime Minister’s statement followed Washington’s decision, taken two days earlier, to double tariffs on Indian imports to as high as 50 percent. The US linked the move to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
Economists have cautioned that the steep tariffs – the highest imposed on any US trading partner alongside Brazil – could adversely impact India’s growth and employment.
Also Read: PM Modi: Visits to Japan and China Will Strengthen India’s National Interests
What PM Modi Said at India-Japan Economic Forum
“Today, India has political stability, economic stability, transparency in policy, and predictability. Today, India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. And, very soon, it is going to become the third-largest economy in the world,” PM Modi said.
Addressing the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo. Strong business ties between our nations are a vital element of our friendship. https://t.co/OUSvy98eJo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2025
He further noted that India’s growth trajectory is rooted in consistent reforms and confidence in its markets.
“You are all aware of the growth and transformation that have taken place in India over the last 11 years…. We contribute 18% to global GDP, and our markets are delivering strong returns. Our approach of reform, transform, and perform is driving all this progress,” he stated.
PM Modi on Two-Day Visit to Japan
During his two-day visit to Japan, PM Modi will stay in Tokyo, where he will attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. He will also hold discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The two leaders will discuss trade, investment, defence, and technology.
Modi also acknowledged Japan’s long-standing support for India’s development.
“Japan has always been an important partner in India’s development journey. From metro rail to manufacturing, semiconductors to startups… Japanese companies have invested over $40 billion in India,” he said.
Describing India as the “best destination for investment,” the Prime Minister stressed the country’s policy framework and economic climate.
Also Read: From Gayatri Mantra To Folk Songs: PM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Japan
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
