TOKYO— When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tokyo, Japan, he was greeted in a special and heartwarming way by a group of Japanese women dressed in beautiful traditional Rajasthani clothing. They folded their hands and said “Padharo Mhare Des,” which means “Welcome to my land.”
The welcome was more than just a greeting; one of the women sang the soulful folk song “Vaari jaavu re,” which the Indian leader applauded. Another group of Japanese performers danced a mix of India’s classical dances, such as Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and Odissi. A Mohiniyattam dancer said she was happy to get the chance to perform for Prime Minister Modi. I am very pleased. Another Japanese Kathak dancer said that performing in front of PM Modi was like getting a “gold medal.”
The Prime Minister was clearly touched by the gesture. He took the time to smile and talk to the artists, thanking them for their dedication to and love of Indian culture. PM Modi wrote on X that he was “deeply touched by the warmth and affection” of the Indian community in Japan. He further commended their “commitment to preserving our cultural roots while contributing meaningfully to Japanese society.”
Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan, invited PM Modi to Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. This is PM Modi’s first meeting with Ishiba and his eighth trip to Japan since he became Prime Minister in 2014. The main goal of the summit is to further forward the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has been growing gradually over the past ten years.
In his remarks before leaving New Delhi, PM Modi said that the visit is a chance to enhance links between civilizations, promote economic and investment ties, and work together on new and emerging technologies like AI and semiconductors. He was sure that the trip would not only help India’s national interests, but it would also help keep the peace and security in the area and around the world.