In pics: PM Modi's iconic bullet train ride with Japanese PM Ishiba

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Japan, attended the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo on Friday, where the two Prime Ministers will review the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and discuss ways to take forward the next phase of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday participated in a luncheon with the Governor of Miyagi Prefecture, Murai, the Chairman of JR East, Fukazawa, the President of Tokyo Electron, Kawai, and the President of Tohoku University, Tomunaga.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his address, welcomed PM Modi and his delegation, recalling the cultural and spiritual bonds between the two countries. "I would like to welcome Prime Minister Modi and his delegation. Our relationship dates back to the 6th century, when Buddhism was introduced into Japan. We have a long shared relationship culturally and spiritually; we are able to influence each other," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba on Saturday travelled from Tokyo to Sendai in a bullet train during his two-day visit to Japan. In a social media post on X, Ishiba said, "With Prime Minister Modi to Sendai. Continuing from last night, I’m accompanying him from inside the car.” After arriving in Sendai, PM Modi also met the Indian loco pilots undergoing training in Japanese Railways.

He received a Guard of Honor earlier in the day. Post that, the two leaders later held talks as part of the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, following which both sides exchanged agreements to further strengthen their cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a traditional Daruma doll, seen as a symbol of good luck, by Rev Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple, Takasaki-Gunma, during his visit to Japan on Friday.

The iconic Tokyo Skytree, Japan's tallest tower, was illuminated in the colours of the Indian national flag to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.

Apart from the joint statement, which outlined the roadmap for the next 10 years, Prime Minister Modi and Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba exchanged two more documents on a long-term vision document on bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister said that this heralds a new chapter in the India-Japan partnership. "Special emphasis will be laid on connecting India's and Japan's small and medium enterprises and startups. Even in the India-Japan Business Forum, I told the Japanese companies, 'Make in India, make for the world." PM Modi said.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi met governors of 16 Japanese prefectures in Tokyo and called for strengthening state-prefecture cooperation under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The two countries had upgraded their relationship to a Special Strategic Global Partnership 10 years ago.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a heartfelt and emotional welcome from the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Tokyo on Friday. The visit sparked pride, excitement, and deep emotion among Indians living in Japan, many of whom described meeting the PM as a dream come true.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday left for China to attend the SCO summit after wrapping up a two-day visit to Japan. During his visit, India and Japan firmed up 13 key agreements and declarations and announced the launch of several transformative initiatives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Delhi on Thursday for a two-day official visit to Japan, scheduled from August 29 to 30, to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. Following his Japan leg, the Prime Minister will head to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin.