PM Modi leaves for three European countries tour; Says partnership is important in India’s quest for peace and prosperity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Germany early morning today in the first leg of his official visit to three European Countries including Denmark and France. In his first foreign visit this year, the Prime Minister would be taking part in various programmes including bilateral and multilateral engagements.
Ahead of his visit, the Prime Minister said in his departure statement that his visit to Europe comes at a time when the region faces many challenges and choices. He said through his engagements, he intends to strengthen the spirit of cooperation with European partners. The Prime Minister said European partners are important companions in India’s quest for peace and prosperity.
On his Germany visit, Mr Modi said his visit to Berlin will be an opportunity to hold detailed bilateral discussions with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whom he met at G20 last year in his previous capacity as Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister. The Prime minister said he looks forward to exchanging views with Chancellor Scholz on strategic, regional, and global developments.
In Denmark, apart from bilateral engagements, the Prime Minister will participate in the India-Denmark Business Roundtable and interact with the Indian community. He will also take part in the second India-Nordic Summit along with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Mr Modi said in a statement, that Nordic countries are important partners for India in sustainability, renewable energy, digitization, and innovation. He said, the visit will help in expanding India’s multifaceted cooperation with the Nordic region.
During his return journey, he will stop over in Paris to meet French President Macron.
Mr Modi said his visit to France just ten days after the election results will not only allow him to convey his personal greetings in person but also reaffirm the close friendship between the two countries. He said this will also give the opportunity to set the tone for the next phase of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra gave details about the Prime Minister’s visit in a press briefing in New Delhi yesterday. Mr Kwatra said, on the first leg of his visit, in Berlin today, the Prime Minister along with the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will co-chair the sixth edition of the India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. Mr Kwatra said The biennial IGC is a unique dialogue format that also sees participation of several Ministers from both sides.
