New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for a three-nation tour of Portugal, US and Netherlands. The tour is aimed at bilateral ties on economic and defence fronts along with increasing cooperation on counter-terrorism.
On his visit, PM Modi will first stop at Portugal on Saturday. India has cordial relations with the country which was last marked by Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa’s visit to India in January 2017.
"I am looking forward to my meeting with PM Costa. Building on our recent discussions, we will review the progress of various joint initiatives and decisions. We will also discuss ways to further enhance the bilateral engagement, especially in the areas of economic cooperation, science & technology, space collaboration and people to people ties.," PM Modi said before the visit.
Second and perhaps most anticipated stop on his visit is the United States. PM Modi will be in the US from June 24 until June 26. He is visiting the country at the invitation of new President Donald Trump. PM Modi will meet Donald Trump on June 26.
Both leaders of the nations have spoken on the phone three times, last being President Trump calling Modi to wish for the win in Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. "India’s partnership with the United States is multi-layered and diverse, supported by not just Governments but all the stakeholders on both sides. I look forward to building a forward-looking vision for our partnership with the new Administration in the United States under President Trump."
Apart from official meetings with President Trump and his cabinet colleagues, I will be meeting some prominent American CEOs.
Suggested read | PM Modi – President Trump meet: Counterterrorism ties, defence deals, NSG and others outcomes to hope for
In the final leg of his trip, PM Modi will visit Netherlands to celebrate 70 years of the establishment of Indo-Dutch diplomatic relations
During the visit, the Prime Minister will have an official meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. He is also scheduled to call on King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and meet Queen Maxima.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Rutte, the two leaders are expected to review bilateral relations on important global issues including counter-terrorism and climate change.
The Netherlands is India's 6th largest trading partner in the EU and 5th largest investment partner globally. The Dutch expertise in areas such as water and waste management, agriculture and food processing, renewable energy and ports and shipping, matches with our development needs.
"I will discuss with PM Rutte as to how the two sides should work to further harness the synergies. I will also be meeting with CEOs of major Dutch companies and will encourage them to join the Indian growth story," PM Modi said in a Facebook post.
In all three nations, PM Modi will interact with Indian diaspora at specially organised events.
