In Takaichi, a steady hand in Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi's prime ministership marks more than Japan electing its first female head of government. Her rise signals continuity, a steady hand carrying forward Shinzo Abe's foreign policy legacy. This is good news in a world where uncertainty rules, and the US and China are increasingly more partial to spheres of influence than to multilateralism. In this context, Japan-India ties will likely be reinforced. Continuity also means that the new PM, an Abe protege, is well-armed to handle Trump, who is in Japan for trade talks.

Takaichi, a China hawk, has made clear Japan's continued commitment to the Quad and Tokyo's participation in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This is critical, given mixed signals from the US about its commitment. Takaichi is expected to draw on her association with the late Abe. She may even make a symbolic gesture - such as ordering Ford F-150 trucks - to strengthen ties with Trump. Takaichi's announcement that Japan will increase its defence spending to 2% of GDP by next year is also likely to please the US president, who has long pushed allies to take on a higher share of defence obligations.

Tokyo sees India as a crucial partner in the main pillar of Japanese diplomacy - free and open Indo-Pacific. Cooperation in IT, AI and defence will be especially important for a tech-hungry India and a Japan that wants to recover its cutting edge. There is some apprehension about her stance on immigration, and New Delhi will be following the issue closely, as the two countries signed a partnership in August to facilitate the exchange of 5 lakh individuals, including 50,000 skilled professionals from India to Japan. If Takaichi blends continuity with openness, the Indo-Pacific could gain a steadier anchor.