India’s Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, has indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba are expected to hold discussions on the Quad framework during Modi’s upcoming visit to Tokyo. The talks come against the backdrop of strained India-US trade relations following Washington’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods.
Speaking to ANI, George underscored the Quad’s significance as a strategic grouping of India, Japan, the US, and Australia. “Quad is an important framework of four like-minded countries working for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. When two key leaders of the region meet in today’s geopolitical scenario, the entire spectrum of issues will be discussed, and Quad will certainly be among them,” he said.
On the recent 50 per cent US tariffs on Indian products, George suggested that both leaders may also address geo-economic challenges in addition to strategic concerns. He stressed that despite friction with Washington, New Delhi remains committed to strengthening the Quad.
“Quad began in 2004 during the tsunami relief efforts and has since evolved with summits and foreign ministers’ meetings. It has a concrete and positive agenda, and we are looking forward to taking it further,” George noted.
Meanwhile, the US has rolled back tariffs on Japan to 15 per cent after striking a trade deal, down from an initial 25 per cent imposed in July 2025, highlighting the uneven trade climate in the Indo-Pacific.
PM Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Japan from August 29, during which he will attend the Annual Summit with PM Ishiba. Following his Tokyo trip, Modi is scheduled to travel to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on August 31 and September 1.