New Delhi: The appointment of Japan’s first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, known for her hawkish stance on China and unwavering support for Taiwan, sets the stage for a potential rift between Tokyo and Beijing even as India-Japan ties appear poised for further strengthening.

A protégé of late PM Shinzo Abe, the 104th Japanese premier has publicly spoken about reviving ‘Abenomics’ to address the nation’s challenges—among them sluggish economic growth, mounting debt, labour shortages and political instability in recent years.

“The challenges to the Takaichi premiership are largely internal to build consensus for foreign and security policy. While she is a staunch supporter of free and open Indo-Pacific, her sustained leadership will be crucial to steer Japan from consistent turbul

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