Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s upcoming visit to New Delhi from 1–3 July comes at a moment when Asia is confronting its most severe energy shock in decades. With the Strait of Hormuz — a corridor that carries one‑fifth of the world’s oil and gas — recently shut for months, regional economies have been forced to rethink supply chains, diversify sources, and build long‑term resilience. Against this backdrop, India and Japan are moving closer, shaping what analysts describe as a new Asian energy axis.
The visit, part of the 16th India–Japan Annual Summit, will see wide‑ranging discussions between PM Takaichi and PM Narendra Modi on defence, technology, clean energy, trade, and Indo‑Pacific security. But energy cooperation is expected to dominate the agenda. Japan relies on imports for 80% of its energy, while India has faced LPG and crude shortages due to reduced Gulf exports. Both nations recognise that traditional dependence on Middle Eastern supply routes is no longer sustainable.
Japan’s strategy now leans heavily on strategic reserves, diversification into LNG partnerships, and investments in alternative energy systems. India, meanwhile, is pushing domestic adoption of natural gas, expanding renewables, and strengthening regional supply networks. The Hormuz crisis has accelerated these shifts, forcing governments to implement emergency measures to stabilise markets.
Asian economies were among the hardest hit: 84% of crude and 83% of LNG passing through Hormuz serve Asia. The shutdown sent shockwaves through India, China, Japan, and South Korea — all heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy. This shared vulnerability is driving new collaboration, with India and Japan exploring joint investments, technology sharing, and coordinated stockpiling mechanisms.
The summit will review progress under the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with both sides expected to outline a roadmap for deeper energy cooperation amid evolving Indo‑Pacific geopolitics.