India, Aug. 27 -- Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Japan is the continuation of a journey that has reshaped one of Asia's oldest friendships into one of the most consequential partnerships of the 21st century. Since his first visit to Tokyo in 2014, PM Modi has steadily strengthened India-Japan relations, with strategic trust and a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific as cornerstones.

Japan's support to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army during the freedom struggle remains a powerful reminder that this solidarity preceded India's independence.

After the war, India's refusal to endorse the San Francisco Peace Treaty and its decision to restore full sovereignty to Japan in 1952 created a reservoir o...