Prime Minister Kishida Fumio leaves for India to meet counterpart Narendra Modi

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has left for India to meet his counterpart Narendra Modi. Japan currently holds the Group of Seven presidency while India chairs the Group of 20 economies.

Kishida departed from Tokyo's Haneda Airport on a government plane on Sunday. He will arrive in India on Monday morning, local time, and return home on Wednesday.

Just ahead of his departure, Kishida told reporters that he wants to fully discuss with India's leader what roles their countries should play in the international community. He added that he is also hoping to confirm both nations will further deepen bilateral relations.

Kishida is also expected to give a speech at a think tank in India to unveil concrete plans to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, a concept Japan advocates.