PM Modi meets Swiss President, talks on deepening bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann here today to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the key European nation. Modi arrived in Geneva late last night from the Qatari capital Doha on the third leg of his five-nation tour.

“A late night arrival is followed by an early morning engagement.PM @narendramodi meets Swiss Prez Schneider-Ammann,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. The two leaders thereafter led delegation-level talks.

“A closer engagement with the heart of Europe. President and PM lead delegation level talks #IndiaSwitzerland,” Swarup said in another tweet.  Ahead of his five-nation tour, Modi had described Switzerland as India’s key partner in Europe.

“I will hold talks with President Schneider-Ammann to deepen our bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

“In Geneva, I will meet prominent businesspersons. Our agenda will be to expand economic and investment ties. I will meet Indian scientists working at CERN. India takes pride in their contribution to exploring new frontiers of science in the service of humanity,” he had said.

The Prime Minister is likely to raise the issue of black money stashed by Indians in Swiss banks.

Modi is also likely to seek Switzerland’s support for India’s membership of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group as it is a key member of the elite grouping. He began his five-nation visit in Afghanistan. From here, Modi will travel to the US and then to Mexico.