Japan highlights cultural symbolism of ‘namaste’, calls it an expression of respect and humility

New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI): Japan's Cabinet Public Relations Officer on Friday highlighted the significance of the traditional Indian greeting "Namaste" after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi greeted each other with folded hands during the Japanese Prime Minister's visit to India.
In a post on X, the Japanese Cabinet Public Relations Officer explained the meaning of the gesture, known as "Anjali Mudra". The gesture, which involves pressing one's palms together in front of the chest, signifies the message: "I pay respect to you."
Globally, the "Namaste" gesture is practised as it represents greeting, humility and gratitude simultaneously. It is also associated with a sense of groundedness and humility for the person performing it. This is considered one of the key aspects of Anjali Mudra, allowing individuals to internalise the external experience of humility and groundedness, Art of Living notes.
"This pose, where you often see people in India pressing their palms together in front of their chest, is called the 'Anjali Mudra'. The greeting "Namaste" exchanged along with this pose is said to carry the meaning of 'I pay respect to you'," the post stated.
インドでよく見かける、胸の前で両手を合わせるこのポーズ🙏は、「アンジャリ・ムドラー」。このポーズに合わせて交わされる挨拶「ナマステ」には、「あなたに敬意を表します」という意味が込められているそうです。🇯🇵🙏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/QJuWzPWitk
— 内閣広報官(色々投稿試し中) (@PressSec_JP) July 3, 2026
The Cabinet Public Relations Officer earlier announced Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's departure from India.
They shared a photograph of a poster of Takaichi installed on a billboard in Delhi, saying it was a fulfilling visit.
In a post on X, the Cabinet Public Relations Officer said, "Leaving New Delhi behind, we're heading off to Tokyo!"
ニューデリーをあとにして、東京へと出発します! pic.twitter.com/YMOWcGdnEi
— 内閣広報官(色々投稿試し中) (@PressSec_JP) July 3, 2026
Meanwhile, official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also shared details of the Japanese Prime Minister's departure and reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to nurture a partnership pivotal to the shared growth and prosperity of both countries.
In a post shared on X, the MEA wrote, "A memorable visit concludes, advancing India-Japan partnership towards shared horizons. PM Sanae Takaichi of Japan departs from India following the highly successful 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. She was seen off by Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh. The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to nurture a partnership pivotal to the shared growth and prosperity of both countries and an anchor for promoting peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond."
A memorable visit concludes, advancing India-Japan partnership towards shared horizons.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 3, 2026
PM @takaichi_sanae of Japan departs from India following the highly successful 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. She was seen off by Minister of State @DrJitendraSingh.
The visit reaffirmed… pic.twitter.com/eZMgUFaexo
It further said, "From the car window heading to the airport after completing all my schedule, a billboard with a different message from the outbound journey comes into view. I am grateful for the heartwarming hospitality from everyone in India. Thanks to you, it was an immensely fulfilling visit, including the summit meeting and economic forum."
すべての日程を終えて空港へと向かう車窓からは、行きとは違うメッセージの看板が。インドの皆様の心温まるおもてなしに感謝します。おかげさまで首脳会談や経済フォーラムなど大変充実した訪問となりました。 pic.twitter.com/wpPmwtUkdP
— 内閣広報官(色々投稿試し中) (@PressSec_JP) July 3, 2026
#PMinAction: Visit to India (1)https://t.co/PaHpWXPdmP
— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) July 3, 2026
Earlier, she attended an informal dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
インドを訪問中の高市総理大臣は、ナレンドラ・モディ・インド首相主催の非公式夕食会に出席しました。#高市総理大臣 #インド
— 外務省 (@MofaJapan_jp) July 3, 2026
(写真提供:内閣広報室) pic.twitter.com/z1I1hIpLPh
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan said, "On July 2nd, local time, from 7 p.m. for about an hour and a half, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended an informal dinner hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The dinner was held in a friendly atmosphere, and the two leaders exchanged views on a wide range of topics, including Japan-India relations, international affairs, and the cultures of both countries, deepening their personal relationship of trust."
Indian Embassy in Japan noted that Takaichi's visit was a memorable one.
"This visit has been a memorable one, opening a new chapter in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Thank you very much, Prime Minister Takaichi. I pray that Prime Minister Takaichi and the entire delegation have a safe return to Tokyo."
\\今回の訪問は、印日特別戦略的グローバル・パートナーシップの新たな一章を開く、記憶に残る訪問となりました。//
— インド大使館 || India in Japan 🇮🇳 (@IndianEmbTokyo) July 3, 2026
高市首相、ありがとうございました。 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
高市首相ならびに代表団の皆様の東京へのご帰国が、安全なものとなりますようお祈りしております。 🇮🇳🛫🇯🇵… https://t.co/4n23cOopdd
The Embassy also shared snippets of Japanese newspapers covering Takaichi's visit.
"Japanese newspapers are reporting on the successfully held India-Japan summit meeting and the steady progress being made in the India-Japan relationship across a wide range of important fields. Prime Minister Takaichi's visit to India Annual Summit Meeting."
📰🗞️📰🗞️
— インド大使館 || India in Japan 🇮🇳 (@IndianEmbTokyo) July 3, 2026
日本の各紙は、成功裏に開催された印日首脳会談と、幅広い重要分野において着実な進展を遂げる印日関係について報じています。#高市首相のインド訪問 #年次首脳会談
🇮🇳🇮🇳🤝🏻🇯🇵🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/H7fPu8Im1j
Takaichi was on a three-day official visit to India from July 1 to July 3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, during which she participated in the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, where both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. (ANI)

