Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning departed for a five-nation visit to Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico.
On the first leg of his visit, Prime Minister Modi will reach Herat in western part of Afghanistan in the afternoon, where he will inaugurate India-Afghan Friendship Dam earlier known as Salma Dam, along with President Dr. Ashraf Ghani.
"Looking forward to my visit to Afghanistan tomorrow. I will join President Ashraf Ghani to inaugurate Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam in Herat. It is symbol of our friendship and would usher in hope, light up homes, nourish the fertile fields of Herat and bring prosperity to the people of the region," the Prime Minister posted on Facebook.
During the visit, focus will be to broaden bilateral trade, energy and security cooperation and push for India's bid to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
He is likely to seek support of Switzerland and Mexico for India's membership of the 48-member NSG as both these countries are key members of the grouping. India has formally applied for membership of the NSG on May 12.
Briefing the media, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said, "The Prime Minister will arrive in Doha, the capital of Qatar Saturday evening, where he will hold meeting with the Emir of Qatar to further strengthen bilateral relations."
Jaishankar said apart from this, the Prime Minister will visit workers' camp and also hold meeting with business leaders.
The Foreign Secretary said during his visit to Switzerland, the Prime Minister and President of the Swiss Confederation Johann Schneider-Ammann will hold discussions on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
"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," posted Prime Minister Modi.
In the United States, Prime Minister Modi will address a Joint Meeting of the US Congress, besides holding meeting with President Barack Obama. He will also hold meeting with US India Business Council with interact with Indian community.
"I will be reaching Washington DC on a bilateral visit in the evening of 6th June at the invitation of President Barack Obama. In my meeting with the President on 7th June, we will seek to build upon the progress achieved in providing new vigour and momentum to our strategic partnership in diverse areas," he said.
Saying that India and the U.S. are natural partners, two vibrant democracies that celebrate their diversity and pluralism, the Prime Minister added: "Strong India-USA ties benefit not only our two nations but also the entire world."
The Prime Minister will wind up his tour by visiting Mexico on 8th of this month and hold talks with leadership of that country. The focus of the visit will be on expanding economic cooperation.
Source: ANI
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