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International Visits & Summits --> International Visits & Summits --> International Visits & Summits

International Visits & Summits

Recent summits.

November 30, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the COP28 Summit in Dubai, at the invitation of President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During his visit PM Modi launched Green Credit initiative. He also held bilateral talks with several world leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.

September 08, 2023

G20 Summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, India, from 9-10 September 2023. Heads of States and leaders of member nations as well as special invitees are joining the Summit in Delhi. PM Modi will be chairing the Summit. He will also hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.

September 06, 2023

PM Modi visited Jakarta, Indonesia from 6-7 September 2023 and took part in the ASEAN-India Summit as well as the East Asia Summit. During the Summit, PM Modi held extensive discussions with other leaders on key issues of global concern.

BRICS Summit 2023

August 22, 2023.

PM Modi visited South Africa from 22 to 25 August, where he took part in the BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg. He also took part in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue events. During the visit, PM also held bilateral meetings with several world leaders.

May 19, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Hiroshima, Japan to attend the G7 Summit under the Japanese Presidency at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan. During the visit, the PM held bilateral meetings with some of the leaders attending the Hiroshima G7 Summit.

September 15, 2022

PM Modi visited Samarkand at the invitation of President of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev to attend the SCO Summit. PM Modi emphasised the constructive role the grouping can play in the post-COVID era particularly in furthering economic recovery and strengthening supply chains. The PM also held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Uzbekistan, Turkey, Russia and Iran in the sidelines of the Summit.

India-Nordic Summit

May 01, 2022.

During Denmark visit, PM Modi took part in the 2nd India-Nordic Summit along with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway. The Summit focused on subjects like post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, innovation and technology, renewable energy, the evolving global security scenario and India-Nordic cooperation in the Arctic region.

November 02, 2021

PM Modi visited Glasgow to attend the 26th Conference of Parties (COP-26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He participated in the high-level segment of COP-26. PM Modi also launched the IRIS initiative.

Eastern Economic Forum

September 03, 2021.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a video-address during the plenary session of the 6th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) held on 3 September 2021 in Vladivostok. PM stressed on the importance of greater economic and commercial engagement between the two sides in line with the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’.

BIMSTEC Summit 2018

August 30, 2018.

PM Narendra Modi took part in the 4th BIMSTEC Summit at Kathmandu on 30th and 31st August. The Summit focused on the theme ‘Towards a Peaceful, Prosperous and Sustainable Bay of Bengal Region.’ On the sidelines of the Summit, the PM held productive talks with several world leaders. PM Modi met PM KP Sharma Oli and reviewed India-Nepal bilateral relations. PM Modi and PM Oli also inaugurated the Nepal-Bharat Maitri Dharamshala at the Pashupatinath Temple Complex.

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

April 19, 2018.

On 19th and 20th April, PM Modi took part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Discussions pertaining to several global and regional issues were held. The PM also met several Heads of States on the sidelines of the Meeting.

World Economic Forum

January 22, 2018.

PM Narendra Modi delivered the historic inaugural address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He pitched for India as an investment destination, emphasising on efforts to improve the ease of doing business. Highlighting India’s growing influence in the global economy, PM Modi recalled that in 1997, when an Indian Prime Minister last attended the WEF, the country’s GDP was a bit over $400 billion. “Two decades later, the country’s GDP has multiplied over six times,” he said.

Nuclear Security Summit 2016

March 31, 2016.

PM Narendra Modi visited Washington DC on 31st March. He participated in the 4th Nuclear Security Summit. PM held discussions on the crucial issue of threat to nuclear security caused by nuclear terrorism. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Narendra Modi met several world leaders to carry forward the agenda of bilateral cooperation with those nations. Shri Modi also interacted with the scientists associated with LIGO project.

EU-India summit

PM Narendra Modi visited Brussels on March 30. Shri Modi met and held talks with Belgian PM Charles Michel. He held the 13th India-EU Summit with the E.U. leadership. PM Modi and Belgian PM Michel also remotely activated the India-Belgium ARIES (Aryabhatta Research Institute for Observational Sciences) Telescope. Shri Modi met Members of European Parliament (MEPs), Indologists, Belgian CEOs and Board Members of the Association of Diamond Traders. Shri Modi also interacted with the Indian community. The visit was aimed at expanding trade, investment and high technology partnership with Belgium.

SAARC Summit

November 25, 2015.

PM Narendra Modi attended the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal in November 2014. PM Modi pressed for better connectivity and enhanced cooperation among the SAARC nations. He held various bilateral meetings with the leaders of SAARC region. PM Narendra Modi was also complimented for his initiative of the SAARC satellite.

November 26, 2015

India hosted the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit from October 26-October 29, 2015. It was one of the largest events as leaders and representatives from 54 nations of Africa gathered together under one roof. PM Narendra Modi welcomed the leaders, held bilateral meetings and deliberated upon strengthening India’s relationship with African countries in the times ahead.

September 24, 2015

PM Narendra Modi attended G4 Summit hosted by India on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York during his visit to the USA. It brought together heads of four countries under one roof. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, PM Shinzo Abe of Japan, President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff and PM Modi together pressed for urgent reforms in the UN Security Council.

FIPIC Summit

August 20, 2015.

In August 2015, India hosted the second FIPIC Summit. PM Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with various leaders of the Pacific Nations. The leaders of Pacific Nations expressed strong support for the UN reforms and India’s candidature for the permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council. PM Modi extended India’s full support to Pacific Island countries for disaster mitigation.

Modi in Bhutan

March 22, 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhutan from 22-23 March 2024. The visit was aimed at further strengthening ties with the friendly neighbouring country. During the visit, PM Modi held talks with HM the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, PM Tshering Tobgay as well as met HM the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. PM Modi was also …

February 14, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to Qatar. He received a ceremonial welcome in Doha. During his visit, he held bilateral talks with HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and discussed various important issues. He also had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Qatar, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, to discuss matters of mutual …

February 13, 2024

PM Modi visited Abu Dhabi, UAE where he took part in numerous programmes. The PM held bilateral meeting with UAE President HH Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, took part in the Ahlan Modi event and inaugurated the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. The PM also addressed the World Governments Summit in Dubai.

August 25, 2023

On 25th August PM Modi visited Athens, Greece. He met President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who conferred upon PM Modi ‘The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour’. PM Modi also held talks with PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis as well as interacted with the Indian community there.

July 13, 2023

PM Modi embarked on a successful visit to France. PM Modi attended the Bastille Day Celebrations as the 'Guest of Honour' and also addressed the CEO Business Forum. He also received the prestigious ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour’ by President Macron.

June 24, 2023

Prime Minister Modi visited Cairo, Egypt at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He held talks with President Sisi and senior members of the Egyptian Government as well as interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Egypt. The PM also visited the Pyramids in Egypt.

June 20, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to the USA on a State Visit at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. PM Modi attended programmes in New York City and Washington DC which include Yoga Day celebrations at the UN HQ, talks with President Biden, address to the Joint Session of the US Congress and more.

May 22, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited to Sydney, Australia at the invitation of Prime Minister Albanese. He interacted with Australian CEOs and business leaders, and addressed the Indian community in Sydney at a special event.

Papua New Guinea

May 21, 2023.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This was his first visit, as also the first ever visit by any Indian Prime Minister, to Papua New Guinea. He chaired the FIPIC III Summit jointly with H.E. Mr. James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. PM Modi will also held bilateral interactions with PM Marape.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tokyo to attend the State Funeral of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. The PM also held talks with PM Fumio Kishida during the visit.

May 16, 2022

PM Modi visited Lumbini in Nepal on 16 May 2022. PM Modi offered prayers at the Mayadevi Temple as well as took part in Shilanyas ceremony of India International Centre for Buddhist Culture & Heritage. He also addressed a programme on Buddha Jayanti.

May 03, 2022

PM Modi had a fruitful visit to Copenhagen, Denmark from May 3-4, 2022 at the invitation of PM Frederiksen. He participated in the India-Denmark Business Roundtable as well as interacted with the Indian community in Denmark. PM Modi also took part in the 2nd India-Nordic Summit along with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden …

May 02, 2022

PM Modi had a productive visit to Berlin, Germany on May 2, 2022. He took part in the 6th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. PM Modi also interacted with Indian community during the visit.

March 26, 2021

At the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bangladesh on March 26 & 27, 2021. During the visit, Prime Minister attended the National Day programme of Bangladesh on March 26, as the guest of honour. The visit of the Prime Minister to Bangladesh was the first visit to a foreign country since the …

Saudi Arabia

October 29, 2019.

PM Modi visited Saudi Arabia on 29 October 2019. During the visit, PM held extensive discussions with His Majesty the King of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince HRH Mohammed bin Salman. The PM also addressed the Future Investment Initiative Forum in Riyadh.

August 24, 2019

PM Modi visited the Kingdom of Bahrain from 24-25, August 2019. This was the first ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to the Kingdom. PM Modi held talks with Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and other leaders. He also interacted with the Indian diaspora.

June 09, 2019

At the invitation of President Maithripala Sirisena, PM Narendra Modi visited Colombo, Sri Lanka on 9th June 2019. The PM visited the St. Anthony's Shrine and paid homage to those who lost their lives during the cowardly terror attack on Easter. The PM held wide ranging talks with the President, PM and other leaders in Sri Lanka.

Modi in Maldives

June 08, 2019.

PM Narendra Modi visited Maldives on 08 June 2019 at the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The PM’s Maldives visit was aimed at further strengthening India’s ties with the maritime neighbour, in line with ‘Neighbourhood-First Policy’ and the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region. PM Modi was also conferred the …

Modi in South Korea

February 20, 2019.

PM Narendra Modi visited the Republic of Korea at the invitation of President Moon Jae-in. During this visit, PM Modi held crucial talks with President Moon, he met with business leaders and members of the Indian community.

Modi In South Africa

July 25, 2018.

From 25-27 July, PM Modi attended the BRICS Summit in South Africa. On the margins of the summit, the Prime Minister also hold bilateral meeting with the South African President and other leaders.

Modi in Uganda

July 24, 2018.

PM Modi visited Uganda during 24-25 July. The PM held productive talks with President Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and also delivered a Keynote address at the Parliament of Uganda. Shri Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Ugandan Parliament.

Modi in Rwanda

July 23, 2018.

PM Modi visited Republic of Rwanda during 23-24 July. This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Rwanda. He held bilateral meeting with President of Rwanda, held talks with business community. PM visited the Genocide Memorial and participated in an event on "Girinka” (one cow per family), a national social protection scheme of …

Modi in Singapore

November 23, 2018.

PM Modi’s Singapore visit was aimed at enhancing India-Singapore partnership in multiple sectors. During his visit, the Prime Minister met Singapore President Halimah Yacob, held talks with PM Lee Hsien Loong and interacted with the business community. Shri Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to deliver the keynote address at Shangri-…

Modi in Indonesia

May 29, 2018.

During his first bilateral visit to Indonesia, PM Narendra Modi held extensive talks with President Joko Widodo and deliberated on ways to further enhance cooperation between both the countries in host of sectors. The Prime Minister also interacted with Indian community in Indonesia during his visit.

Modi in Russia

May 21, 2018.

PM Modi and President Putin of Russia held productive discussions and they reviewed the complete range of India-Russia relations as well as other global subjects during their first ever informal summit in the Black Sea coastal city of Sochi. The leaders also visited the Sirius Education Centre and interacted with session students.

Modi in China

April 26, 2018.

PM Modi visited Wuhan, China on 27-28 April 2018 for an Informal Summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. PM Modi and President Xi exchanged views on a range of issues of bilateral and global importance. The leaders reviewed the developments in India-China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.

April 16, 2018

PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK was aimed at enhancing India-UK partnership in the areas of healthcare, innovation, digitization, electric mobility, clean energy, and cyber security. The PM held wide ranging talks with PM Theresa May. He met HM The Queen, interacted with leading CEOs of the two nations, launched an Ayurveda Centre of …

Modi in Sweden

PM Modi, during his bilateral visit to Sweden, held productive talks with Swedish PM Stefan Lofven. PM Modi interacted with leading business leaders. The PM also met His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden. India and Sweden jointly organized the India-Nordic Summit in Stockholm on 17th April with the Prime Ministers of Finland, Norway,…

February 11, 2018

PM Modi visited Oman on 11-12 February. He met HM the Sultan Qaboos of Oman, Deputy PM for the Council of Ministers HH Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said and Deputy PM for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs HH Sayyid Asa'ad bin Tariq Al Said. The PM also interacted with Indian community at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, …

February 09, 2018

PM Modi paid a historic visit to Palestine on February 10th after transiting though Jordan where he met HM King Abdullah II. In Palestine’s Ramallah, PM Modi met President Mahmoud Abbas. India and Palestine agreed to deepen ties in key sectors such as technology, training and infrastructure development. During his visit, the PM was conferred ‘…

September 05, 2017

PM Narendra Modi visited Myanmar from September 5-7, 2017. This was his first bilateral visit to Myanmar. PM Modi met H.E. U Htin Kyaw, President of Myanmar. Prime Minister held wide-ranging discussions with State Councillor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on matters of regional cooperation. Giving a fillip to cultural ties between both countries, the PM …

July 04, 2017

PM Modi paid a historic visit to Israel from 4-6 July upon invitation of PM Netanyahu. It was the first ever visit by any Indian Prime Minister to Israel. PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Rivlin and PM Netanyahu. He interacted with Israeli CEOs and discussed scope of expanding businesses in India. He also visited Yad Vashem …

Netherlands

June 28, 2017.

PM Modi visited the Netherlands on 27 June 2017. He met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, called on King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The PM, in a meeting with CEOs of major Dutch companies, encouraged and invited them to explore opportunities in India. PM also interacted with Indian diaspora in the Hague.

June 24, 2017

PM Narendra Modi visited Portugal on 24 June 2017. PM Modi held talks with PM Antonio Costa and discussed ways to enhance the bilateral engagement, especially in the areas of economic cooperation, science & technology, space collaboration and people to people ties. Both the leaders also launched a unique Startup portal. PM also interacted with …

May 30, 2017

PM Modi visited Spain on 30th May on an official visit. He held a meeting with President Mariano Rajoy and discussed bilateral and other issues of mutual interest. As part of the programme, Prime Minister also met King Felipe VI of Spain. He joined Round-Table interaction with leading Spanish business leaders and invited them to explore …

September 02, 2016

PM Narendra Modi visited Vietnam to further cement the close bond between both countries. PM Modi held talks with Prime Minister of Vietnam Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the President of Vietnam, Mr. Tran Dai Quang. The PM also met several other leaders of Vietnam. Shri Modi paid homage to Ho Chi Minh, laid a wreath at the Monument of National …

July 04, 2016

PM Narendra Modi visited Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya from July 7-11. PM Modi held deliberations with President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, South African President Jacob Zuma, President John Magufuli of Tanzania and President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya. PM Modi’s four-nation tour strengthened India’s ties with the African mainland …

June 09, 2016

Shri Narendra Modi paid a historic visit to Mexico making it the first Prime Ministerial visit in three decades. Shri Modi held talks with President of Mexico, Mr. Enrique Peña Nieto and held wide-ranging talks to enhance bilateral relations between both the countries.

Switzerland

June 06, 2016.

PM Modi had a bilateral meeting with the Swiss President Johann Schneider Ammann where Switzerland supported India’s bid to NSG. He also attended a meeting with the business leaders to enhance industry and trade relations between India and Switzerland. PM invited Swiss industrialists and business leaders to explore opportunities that India …

Afghanistan

June 04, 2016.

Prime Minister Modi visited Afghanistan on June 4th. Shri Modi jointly inaugurated the Afghan- India Friendship Dam with President Ashraf Ghani. PM also shared his views on the progress India was making and said that the world was seeing an India full of opportunities. PM was awarded with Amir Amanullah Khan Award, highest civilian honour of …

May 21, 2016

Recent Visits

Modi In Bhutan

October 28, 2019

South Korea

South Africa

May 30, 2018

April 18, 2018

June 27, 2017

June 03, 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Iran on May 21 and 22 at the invitation of President Rouhani. Shri Modi met Hon’ble Supreme Leader of Iran, President Rouhani and several other leaders. PM Modi's visit was aimed at enhancing connectivity, trade, investments, energy partnership, culture and people to people ties. The historic Chahbahar Agreement was also inked during the Prime Minister's visit. Shri Narendra Modi also visited Gurudwara in Tehran and inaugurated an International Conference on ‘retrospect and prospect’ of India and Iran relations.

November 21, 2015

PM Modi visited Malaysia from November 21to 23. He attended the ASEAN-India Summit and the 10th East Asia Summit. PM Modi met PM Najib Razak of Malaysia and discussed bilateral ties with him. Shri Modi and Mr. Razak jointly inaugurated the Torana Gate. The PM also visited Ramakrishna Mission and inaugurated a statue of Swami Vivekananda. Shri Modi interacted with Corporate Malaysia and invited them to invest in India. PM Modi also interacted with the Malay-Indian community during his visit. The PM also held bilateral meetings with Premier Li Keqiang of China and PM Shinzo Abe of Japan on the sidelines of the summits.

Central Asia

July 06, 2015.

On 6th July 2015 the PM Modi embarked on a tour to Central Asia. He visited Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The visit was historic and special because it was a significant effort to expand India’s cooperation with the Central Asian Nations on an unprecedented scale.

Social Buzz

May 17, 2015

PM Modi's visit to Mongolia was historic, path breaking & one that will take India's ties with Mongolia to spectacular heights. One-day visit by the Indian PM to the land of spiritual neighbour opened up broad avenues of partnership and cooperation between both the Nations.

April 15, 2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Canada from April 15th - April 16th. This was first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over four decades. Shri Modi held wide-range meetings with the Canadian counterpart Mr. Stephen Harper. The Prime Minister met top business leaders and industrialists in Ottawa and Toronto to deepen ties between both the nations. PM Shri Modi also addressed the Indian Diaspora in Toronto and paid a visit to Gurudwara Khalsa Diwan and Lakshmi Nayan Temple in Vancouver.

#3NationTour

March 11, 2015.

PM Modi visited Seychelles, Mauritius & Sri Lanka from 11-14 March 2015. The visit was successful in strengthening India’s ties with these friendly Nations. In Seychelles, PM met President Michel and held multiple deliberations with him. In Mauritius, PM addressed the Mauritius National Assembly and joined the ceremony to mark the commissioning of the Barracuda. In Sri Lanka the PM addressed the Parliament, visited the Mahabodhi Society and travel to Jaffna.

November 19, 2014

The visit was the first bilateral visit by a Prime Minister of India in 33 years. Shri Modi addressed the Parliament of Fiji. PM Modi also attended a 'Forum for India-Pacific Island cooperation' where he met leaders from Pacific islands nations.

December 21, 2015

The Prime Minister travelled to Brazil to attend the BRICS Summit in Fortaleza. The PM held extensive meetings with the other BRICS leaders and the leaders discussed a wide range of global issues. During the Summit it was decided to set up a BRICS bank and the first head of the Bank will be from India. 3 MoUs were signed between Brazil and India, after President Rousseff and PM Modi met. The Prime Minister also met leaders of various South American nations during the visit.

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Narendra Modi Europe visit Highlights: Whatever India is achieving today, it is achievement of about one-fifth of humanity, says PM Modi

Narendra modi europe visit highlights: this is pm modi's second leg of the three-day europe trip. on the first day, he met with the german chancellor in berlin. he is set to meet french president emmanuel macron on may 4..

Narendra Modi Europe visit Highlights: Addressing the Indian community in Denmark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that whatever India is achieving today, it is the achievement of about one-fifth of humanity. “When I meet world leaders, they proudly tell me about achievements of the Indian community settled in their countries,” he added.

Earlier, in a joint address with the Danish PM, PM Modi said that India has appealed for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine . He made the statement at a press conference following his arrival in Denmark as a part of the second leg of his three-nation Europe trip. PM Modi was welcomed at the Copenhagen airport by his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen, and is expected to attend the 2nd India-Nordic Summit.

Modi arrived in Copenhagen from Germany where he held detailed bilateral discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and co-chaired the India-Germany inter-governmental consultations. Before leaving Berlin, the Prime Minister tweeted that his visit to Germany was “productive”. Scholz said that he has invited Modi to the G-7 meeting which will be held in Germany in the last week of June. Next, PM Modi will travel to France and meet with President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.

Narendra Modi Europe visit Highlights: After visiting Germany and meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, PM Modi is in Denmark on May 3.

Asserting that India's role in damaging the climate is negligible, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Indians have had no role in harming the planet and the need of the hour is to promote 'lifestyle for environment'.

Addressing the Indian community settled in Denmark during his visit to the Nordic nation, Modi also asked each one of them to convince at least their five non-Indian friends to visit India.

You should inspire at least five of your friends to visit India...and people will say 'Chalo India'. This is the work you all 'Rashtradoot' have to do: PM Modi interacts Indian community in Copenhagen pic.twitter.com/bECg28EkkQ — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2022

"The mindset of use and throw is negative for the planet. It is necessary to get out of consumption-oriented approach and the need of the hour is to promote 'LIFE — Lifestyle for Environment'. India's role in damaging the climate is negligible; Indians have had no role in damaging the planet," Modi said.

During his interaction with members of the Indian community in Denmark, PM Narendra Modi shared a lighter moment with the diaspora as he tried his hand at dhol.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried his hands on a dhol today in Copenhagen, Denmark. pic.twitter.com/G2H82YH7Px — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2022

India and Denmark on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen the Green Strategic Partnership with a focus on green hydrogen, renewable energy and wastewater management.

India’s Green Strategic Partnership with Denmark is deeply valued. PM Frederiksen and I discussed how we can make this partnership even more effective. We also discussed cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, ports, shipping, water management and more. @Statsmin pic.twitter.com/ukMPYwMIkC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2022

"During our discussions, we reviewed the joint work plan for the green strategic partnership. I am happy that significant progress has been made in various fields, especially in the areas of renewable energy, health, ports, shipping, circular economy and water management," Prime Minister Narendra Modi told reporters here after talks with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen. (PTI)

Speaking on the importance of poverty alleviation, PM Narendra Modi said in his address to the Indian community in Denmark: "When India pulls its citizens out of poverty, the poverty across the world goes down. When poor in India are given several facilities like housing, sanitation, clean drinking water, free health care & financial inclusion, it gives a new trust to several countries of the world."

He also welcomed the Danes to India to work with Indians on finding answers to problems of the planet.

I want to tell our Danish friends to come to India to jointly find answers to the problems of the planet: PM Modi during interaction with the Indian community in Copenhagen pic.twitter.com/N9BhKuGePo — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of India's huge Covid-19 vaccination programme, poverty alleviation and the importance of taking care of the plant in his speech to the Indian community in Denmark.

"Imagine, if we wouldn't have been able to take vaccination to every family in India, what would've been its impact on the world. Had India not worked on made in India & effective vaccines, not had a large scale production, what would've been the situation in several countries," said the PM.

I talk about 'LIFE' - Lifestyle for the environment; we have to give up the consumption-oriented approach, use and throw is negative for the planet. Our consumption should be determined by our needs, not the size of our pocket: PM Modi in Copenhagen pic.twitter.com/AzlDpOYKWz — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2022

Addressing the Indian community in Denmark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that whatever India is achieving today, it is the achievement of about one-fifth of humanity. "When I meet world leaders, they proudly tell me about achievements of the Indian community settled in their countries," he added.

Grateful to the Indian community in Denmark for their warm reception. Addressing a programme in Copenhagen. https://t.co/PCjwh3ZM9p — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2022

After talks with the Danish Prime Minister, PM Narendra Modi is set to address a community programme in Copenhagen.

Delighted to be among the Indian community of Denmark. Looking forward to addressing a community programme in Copenhagen shortly. https://t.co/vtw3waDCgJ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2022

Underlining that she had discussed the war in Ukraine with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the “consequences of the horrible crimes committed against civilians”, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Tuesday she “hoped” that “India will influence Russia” to end the war. This is one of the clearest expectations enunciated and articulated by any European leader in the last two months since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

The Prime Ministers will meet again Wednesday for the India-Nordic summit which will include Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland. This will be the second such summit after the first in 2018.

Frederiksen said, “We share many values. We are two democratic nations. We both believe in a rule-based international system. And in times as these, we need to build an even stronger bridge between us as close partners. We, of course, also discussed the war in Ukraine.” ( Read more )

In a public address in Denmark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that if looking at India’s reforms and investment opportunities, those who don’t invest in India will have to experience FOMO or 'fear of missing out'.

These days the term FOMO or ‘fear of missing out’ is gaining traction on social media. Looking at India’s reforms and investment opportunities, I can say that those who don’t invest in our nation will certainly miss out: PM @narendramodi in Copenhagen pic.twitter.com/pAyL5TVpFb — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on an official visit to Denmark was greeted with an Indian national flag and enthusiastic members of the diaspora on Tuesday, said the PM's Office on Twitter.

When PM @narendramodi and PM Frederiksen met the Indian community after the meeting with business leaders… @Statsmin pic.twitter.com/aId1gAVEyY — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2022

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that Denmark would like to see India use its influence with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to put an end to the war in Ukraine.

Statsminister Mette Frederiksen: Tak @Narendramodi for gode, konstruktive samtaler om næste skridt i vores grønne strategiske partnerskab. At accelerere den grønne energiomstilling er centralt for vores klima og sikkerhed. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/YFy77DP6tl — Statsministeriet (@Statsmin) May 3, 2022

"Thank you @Narendramodi for fruitful discussions on advancing our #GreenStrategicPartnership. Accelerating the green energy transition is critical for our climate and our security. Also talked about the war in Ukraine. Made DK and EU’s position clear, and that we would like to see India use its influence with Putin," Frederiksen said in a tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen and was given an official tour of Marienborg, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Denmark, when they arrived in Copenhagen for talks.

Frederiksen gave a tour of her official residence to Modi and showed the painting he gifted her during her last India visit. It is a Pattachitra painting from Odisha. Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha. It is the state's traditional art form.

Denmark’s PM Frederiksen gave a tour of her residence to PM @narendramodi and showed the painting gifted by PM Modi during her last India visit. It is a Pattachitra painting from Odisha. @Statsmin @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @MIB_India @IndiainDenmark #PMInDenmark pic.twitter.com/VBmDIM2X2n — DD News (@DDNewslive) May 3, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that India has appealed for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. He made the statement at a press conference following his arrival in Denmark as a part of the second leg of his three-nation Europe trip.

We made an appeal to take the path of dialogues and strategy for an immediate ceasefire and solution to the problem in Ukraine: PM Narendra Modi in Copenhagen, Denmark pic.twitter.com/l4EMj8mauS — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Denmark on Day Two of his three-day Europe visit, is addressing a joint press conference with his Danish counterpart. Follow along here.

Speaking at the joint press meet with PM Frederiksen. @Statsmin https://t.co/3uGqLdLop7 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2022

The group, one of the five shortlisted international players for the Rs 43,000-crore project, said it cannot meet conditions of the Request for Proposal (RFP) and will, therefore, not continue with its bid.

The project is the largest under the new strategic partnership model which will see an international Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partner with an Indian company to manufacture submarines in India, and share the technology. ( Read more )

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Danish PM Mette Frederiksen hold a conversation at the latter's residence in Copenhagen, Denmark.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Danish PM Mette Frederiksen hold a conversation at the latter's residence in Copenhagen, Denmark. pic.twitter.com/wUGfJBYcOc — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2022

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen received PM Narendra Modi at the Copenhagen airport.

Landed in Copenhagen. I am very grateful to PM Frederiksen for the warm welcome. This visit will go a long way in further cementing India-Denmark ties. @Statsmin pic.twitter.com/0NOQG6X30I — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2022

'Landed in Copenhagen. I am very grateful to PM Frederiksen for the warm welcome. This visit will go a long way in further cementing India-Denmark ties,' Modi tweeted after landing in Copenhagen.

PM Modi also shared his appreciation for the Danish PM's gesture in a tweet in Danish.

Jeg er landet i København og taknemmelig over for Statsminister Frederiksen for den varme velkomst. Dette besøg vil virkelig cementere indisk-danske bånd. @Statsmin pic.twitter.com/cqg1Hqfhzs — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived in Denmark on the second leg of his three-nation Europe trip during which he will hold talks with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen and attend the 2nd India-Nordic Summit.

A special start to a special visit. PM @narendramodi was welcomed by PM Frederiksen at Copenhagen. @Statsmin pic.twitter.com/iRnJt6J8k3 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2022

Modi arrived in Copenhagen from Germany where he held detailed bilateral discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and co-chaired the India-Germany inter-governmental consultations. (PTI)

On his way to Denmark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a light moment with a child at the Berlin Airport.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a light moment with a child in Berlin, Germany earlier today pic.twitter.com/C4dH9S8CQB — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2022

For the second leg of his Europe visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Berlin to Copenhagen, Denmark on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for Copenhagen, Denmark from Berlin, Germany, to begin the second leg of his visit to the three European nations. pic.twitter.com/9KTd3gRGSS — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2022

Prime Minister Modi Tuesday tweeted images from his visit to Germany, thanking the government for their hospitality.

Ich danke der deutschen Regierung für ihre Gastfreundschaft. pic.twitter.com/n9pfgmWBf5 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2022

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to travel to Denmark today (May 3), he tweeted that his visit to Germany was “productive”. Thanking the German government for their hospitality, the PM stated, “The talks with (Olaf) Scholz were extensive and so were the Inter-Governmental Consultations. I got a great opportunity to interact with business and Indian community leaders.”

My Germany visit has been a productive one. The talks with @Bundeskanzler Scholz were extensive and so were the Inter-Governmental Consultations. I got a great opportunity to interact with business and Indian community leaders. I thank the German Government for their hospitality. pic.twitter.com/bpu9yhk0Xe — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Denmark will also take part in the 2nd India-Nordic Summit along with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway where we will take stock of our cooperation since the First India-Nordic Summit in 2018. The Summit will focus on subjects like post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, innovation and technology, renewable energy, the evolving global security scenario and India-Nordic cooperation in the Arctic region, a statement by the PMO said.

Prime Minister Modi will be travelling from Berlin to Copenhagen today. He will hold talks with Danish PM Mette Frederiksen and meet Queen Margrethe II. He will also attend an India-Denmark Business Forum and address the Indian diaspora.

PM @narendramodi would be leaving from Berlin for Copenhagen this morning. Let’s take a look at what’s in store in the second leg of the visit. pic.twitter.com/cc9ubDwTcT — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 3, 2022

Tune in to our podcast '3 things', where Shubhajit Roy joins host Snigdha Sharma to discuss the significance of PM Modi’s three-day visit to Europe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-nation Europe tour will set the stage for India’s wider engagement with the continent in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. After the Second World War, this is the first time that Europe is witnessing conflict close to home. Europe’s economic powerhouse Germany, which is PM Modi’s first port of call, had turned pacifist to the point of not wanting a military in penance for Nazi excesses during the war. It has now made a huge political and strategic choice to support Ukraine in its defence against Russia with weapons, also deciding to spend more money to beef up its own defences. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, an anti-war Social Democrat, finds himself leading the country through this complex time in which the nation has decided to make economic sacrifices by agreeing to the costly proposition of cutting energy dependence on Moscow, even though his first instinct was to resist US pressure to join the anti-Russia coalition. For Delhi, too, Putin’s decision has been problematic for its long-standing bilateral ties with Moscow. Read more

Where does India’s national interest lie on the Ukrainian question? The answer should be a no-brainer. It must lie on the side of peace, with the victim, in this case Ukraine, and to ensure that the war is ended as expeditiously as possible, notwithstanding our reliance on Russia — spares for conventional weaponry, joint production of delivery systems for strategic and tactical assets, past diplomatic and military favours extended, synergy with regard to energy exploration, to name but a few. What does India stand to gain by isolating Europe, a continent of almost 750 million people with whom it shares civilisational values and which is also an important trading partner? India-EU trade alone stands at 62.8 billion Euros. Europe is totally opposed to the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Read more

With the horrific war in Ukraine showing no signs of ending, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Berlin, Copenhagen, and Paris this week could give us a glimpse of India’s post-Russian strategic future in Europe. As Russia, isolated by unprecedented Western sanctions, deepens its alliance with China, Europe has begun to loom larger than ever before in India’s strategic calculus. Read C Raja Mohan's Opinion piece here

On Tuesday, PM Modi Modi will head to Denmark and meet Danish PM Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen. He will also participate in the Second India-Nordic Summit with the prime ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway.

Taking a jibe at previous governments for continuing with two Constitutions in one country — a reference to the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called them “tubelight” and mentioned that the situation was corrected after 70 years. Addressing the Indian community in Berlin, Modi said, “ Desh ek thhe, samvidhan do thhe…. Kyun itni der lagi. Purane zamane mein kehte thhe tubelight (It is one country, but there were two Constitutions…. Why did it take so long? Earlier, this was called tubelight).” “ Saat dashak ho gaye ek desh, ek samvidhan lagu karte karte. Ab laagu hua hai doston (it has taken seven decades to have a single Constitution for the entire country…it has been implemented now),” he said. Read more

Underlining that Russia has violated fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter by attacking Ukraine and its civilian population, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Monday that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed that “borders should not be changed through the use of violence” and “inviolability as well as the sovereignty of nations has to be universally accepted”. In the joint statement issued after the talks, a line stood out: “Germany reiterated its strong condemnation of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russian Forces.” A unilateral statement, which expresses one country’s views, in the joint statement is unusual and reflects the divergence in views of the two countries. But there were enough lines to show the convergence. "Germany and India expressed their serious concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. They unequivocally condemned civilian deaths in Ukraine," it said. Read more

Following his talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister Modi, who did not name Russia in his statement, said “there will be no winning party in this war, everyone will suffer”. “Recent geopolitical events also showed how fragile world peace and stability is, and how interconnected all countries are. From the very beginning of the Ukrainian crisis, we called for an immediate ceasefire, insisting that dialogue is the only way to resolve the dispute. We believe that there will be no winning party in this war, everyone will suffer. That is why we are in favour of peace,” Modi said. “Oil prices are skyrocketing due to the turmoil triggered by the Ukraine conflict; there is also shortage of food grains and fertilizers in the world. This has burdened every family in the world, but its impact on developing and poor countries will be even more serious. India is deeply concerned by the humanitarian impact of this conflict. We have sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine on our behalf. We are also trying to help other friendly countries through food exports, oil supplies and economic assistance,” he said. Read more

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to France, French defence major Naval Group has announced that it is unable to participate in the P-75 India (P-75I) project under which six conventional submarines are to be built in India for the Indian Navy. The group, one of the five shortlisted international players for the Rs 43,000-crore project, said it cannot meet conditions of the Request for Proposal (RFP) and will, therefore, not continue with its bid. The project is the largest under the new strategic partnership model which will see an international Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partner with an Indian company to manufacture submarines in India, and share the technology. Read more

"Minimum government, maximum governance! There should not be the absence of government wherever it is needed but it should also not be wherever it is not needed," PM Modi says.

While adressing the Indian community in Germany, Modi says, "Indian voters ended political instability of 3 decades with the press of a button." "Aspiration for positive change and quick development were reasons why Indians elected a govt with full majority after 30 years in 2014," PTI quoted Modi as saying.

Narendra Modi interacts with the Indian community in Berlin.

Delighted to interact with the Indian community in Berlin. https://t.co/alspwulUS4 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2022

PM Modi, German Chancellor Scholz calls for peace in Ukraine. Here are a few snaps. See more here

In their first meeting in Berlin since German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assumed office in December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’s discussions with the German leader covered “key areas of bilateral cooperation under the overall strategic partnership as well as regional and global developments,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Monday. Read more

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India-Germany partnership could serve as an example of success in a complex world. He also invited German participation in India's Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign.

"I repeat my appeal to Vladimir Putin - end this senseless killing, withdraw your troops from Ukraine," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in Berlin after meeting with PM Modi

Thus, I repeat my appeal to Vladimir Putin - end this senseless killing, withdraw your troops from Ukraine: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin pic.twitter.com/m4uRdDGn0t — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2022

"Through its attack on Ukraine, Russia has violated fundamental principles of international law. The war & the brutal attacks against civilian population in Ukraine show how unrestrained Russia has been in violating the fundamental principles of the UN Charter," German Chancellor Scholz said.

"Delighted that the first Inter-Governmental Consultations of this Govt took place with Indian Govt. To me it's a sign of the spl quality of our relationship...I invited you as our guest to G7 Summit end of June & we look forward to welcoming you back to Germany," Chancellor Scholz said.

Delighted that the first Inter-Governmental Consultations of this Govt took place with Indian Govt. To me it's a sign of the spl quality of our relationship...I invited you as our guest to G7 Summit end of June & we look forward to welcoming you back to Germany: Chancellor Scholz pic.twitter.com/w0t3ZamsWE — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2022

"I am happy that my first foreign visit of 2022 is happening in Germany. and my first telephonic conversation with any foreign leader happened with my friend Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Holding of the IGC shows how much importance we place in our strategic ties," said PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Germany on the first leg of his visit to three European nations on Monday and met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. After his meet, he said that among democratic nations, India, Germany share several common values and the holding of the Inter Governmental Consultations shows how much importance the two countries place in their strategic ties. Talking about the crisis in Ukraine , he said, “No country can emerge victorious in Ukraine conflict. We are for peace, appeal to end the war.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sign the green & sustainable energy partnership in Berlin.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi & German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sign the green & sustainable energy partnership at the Federal Chancellery, in Berlin pic.twitter.com/5uAG7CP3ki — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2022

Ahead of the Inter-Governmental Consultation between India and Germany, Modi held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Discussions continue between PM @narendramodi and Chancellor Scholz in Berlin. Both leaders are reviewing the full range of bilateral ties between India and Germany, including giving an impetus to trade as well as cultural linkages. @Bundeskanzler pic.twitter.com/Wj3M8mVQjr — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 2, 2022

The Inter-Governmental Consultation between India and Germany illustrate the special nature of this friendship.

The Inter-Governmental Consultation between India and Germany illustrate the special nature of this friendship. Prime Minister @narendramodi , Chancellor Scholz and top Ministers from India and Germany meet in Berlin. @Bundeskanzler pic.twitter.com/uyEh2Kc9Kq — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 2, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.

Expanding India-Germany cooperation. PM @narendramodi and Chancellor Scholz meet in Berlin. @Bundeskanzler pic.twitter.com/CmDfZKv4eD — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 2, 2022

"A flavour of India at the Brandenburg Gate! Have a look…," PMO tweets with a video of celebration with a saffron flag in Berlin.

A flavour of India at the Brandenburg Gate! Have a look… pic.twitter.com/dek31R3aKt — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 2, 2022

PMO India tweeted: "The colours and diversity of India are on display at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate."

The colours and diversity of India are on display at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate. pic.twitter.com/nhBECQVLEp — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 2, 2022

PM Narendra Modi in all praises for a young Indian-origin boy as he sings a patriotic song on his arrival in Berlin, Germany. "Doesn’t my young friend sing well!" the Pm said in his Facebook post.

PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi will “exchange perspectives” on the “Ukraine issue” and strengthen bilateral partnerships during his three-day, three-nation visit to Europe, newly appointed Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said on Sunday.

In his departure statement on Sunday, Modi did not mention the Russia-Ukraine conflict directly. “My visit to Europe comes at a time when the region faces many challenges and choices. Through my engagements, I intend to strengthen the spirit of cooperation with our European partners, who are important companions in India’s quest for peace and prosperity,” he said.

" We were excited to get glimpse of PM Modi. We came to Berlin after driving 400kms distance. He respectfully greeted each one of us from Indian diaspora. Further, we're looking forward to attending the PM's address to the diaspora," said Gaurang Kuteja, member of Indian community in Germany.

We were excited to get glimpse of PM Modi. We came to Berlin after driving 400kms distance. He respectfully greeted each one of us from Indian diaspora. Further, we're looking forward to attending the PM's address to the diaspora: Gaurang Kuteja, member of Indian community pic.twitter.com/NDEpvOPtMh — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2022

#WATCH Indian diaspora extends a warm welcome to PM Modi in Berlin, Germany (Source:DD) pic.twitter.com/H0yX5LWut4 — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2022

In Denmark, PM Modi will meet Danish PM Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen —and also participate in the Second India-Nordic Summit with the prime ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway on Tuesday. On the way back on Wednesday, Modi will make a brief stopover in Paris for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. His first foreign trip this year comes at a time when a war in the heart of Europe has upended seven decades of global order.

#WATCH PM Narendra Modi arrives in Germany on the first leg of his visit to three European nations pic.twitter.com/6PqAShPLIy — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Germany today morning, will also be travelling to Denmark and France between May 2 and 4. His first foreign trip this year comes at a time when a war in the heart of Europe has upended seven decades of global order.

PM Narendra Modi arrives in Germany on the first leg of his visit to three European nations PM Modi will meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz & co-chair 6th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations in Berlin today pic.twitter.com/LQ9gR6RscL — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2022

Hello and welcome to our blog on PM Modi's Europe visit, The Prime Minister has arrived in Germany on the first leg of his visit to three European nations. He will meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and co-chair 6th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations in Berlin today.Follow to get all the latest updates here.

PM modi Germany, PM Modi europe visit, Narendra Modi In germany, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Olaf Scholz, PM Modi germany live, India news, Indian express

On Sunday, newly appointed Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that Pm Modi will “exchange perspectives” on the “Ukraine issue” and strengthen bilateral partnerships during his three-day, three-nation visit to Europe. PM Modi's foreign visit includes about two dozen engagements across approximately 65 hours, official sources said. He will hold meetings, bilateral as well as multilateral, with world leaders from seven countries besides interacting with about 50 global business leaders.

India & Europe

Modi’s visit signifies the importance attached to India’s ties with Europe. For the past few years, Europeans have always felt that — as a whole — the Modi government gives more thrust to other strategic partners like the US, Japan and even Australia and the UAE, than Europe.

Germany is one of India’s most important partners in Europe, with deep bilateral relations, and also because of its key role in the European Union. India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the Federal Republic of Germany after WWII. India and Germany have a ‘Strategic Partnership’ since May 2000, and it has been strengthened with the launch of the Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) in 2011 at the level of heads of government. India is among a select group of countries with which Germany has such a dialogue mechanism. During Modi’s visit, the 6th IGC will take place, postponed from last year due to the pandemic.

Bilateral relations were elevated to the level of a “Green Strategic Partnership” during the Virtual Summit held in September 2020 between Modi and Danish PM Mette Frederiksen. Frederiksen was in India on a state visit from October 9 to 11, 2021, the first visit by a Head of Government following the pandemic.

The visit to France has been planned after President Emmanuel Macron was re-elected in a tough election. India and France have traditionally had close relations. In 1998, the two entered into a Strategic Partnership, with defence & security cooperation, space cooperation and civil nuclear cooperation being its pillars. India and France also have a robust economic partnership, and are increasingly engaged in new areas of cooperation.

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In his first overseas visit of 2022, PM Narendra Modi to travel to Germany, Denmark, and France between May 2-4

Updated Apr 27, 2022, 11:20 IST

PM Modi to travel to Germany, Denmark and France in May

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Narendra Modi embarks on first foreign visit of 2022: Understanding the significance of PM’s Europe trip

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Germany, Denmark and France from today. His visit gains significance as Europe faces challenges in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on his Europe trip of Germany, Denmark and France at a time when the region faces many challenges in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The prime minister during his three-day visit will meet with German chancellor Olaf Scholz, following which he will travel to Copenhagen on 3-4 May at the invitation of his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen to hold bilateral engagements and also participate in the Second India-Nordic Summit.

On the way back to India, Modi will also make a brief stopover in Paris for a meeting with French president Emmanuel Macron.

In the coming days, I will be visiting Germany, Denmark and France for important bilateral and multilateral engagements. The first leg of the visit will be in Germany, where I will meet Chancellor @OlafScholz and co-chair the 6th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2022

Here’s a better look at the prime minister’s hectic ‘three-day, three nation’ visit and what’s on the agenda.

A packed schedule

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit will be his first foreign trip in 2022 and will see him making his way to Germany, followed by Denmark and this France.

As per reports, the prime minister will have 25 hectic engagements spanning around 65 hours.

Clocking three countries in three days! PM @narendramodi embarks on a visit to Germany, Denmark and France from 2-4 May 2022. An opportunity to deepen partnerships, expand strategic convergences and enhance coordination on regional & global issues. pic.twitter.com/yzZVd8xFvm — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 1, 2022

Landing in Berlin, Narendra Modi will hold talks with Olaf Scholz , Federal Chancellor of Germany. The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier said that the two leaders will co-chair the sixth edition of the India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC).

This will be Modi’s first meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who took charge of Germany from Angela Merkel, last December. The German chancellor has visited India in 2012 when he was the Mayor of Hamburg.

After Germany, Narendra Modi will travel to Copenhagen where he will participate in the second India-Nordic Summit being hosted by Denmark, on the invitation of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

India first began engaging with the Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland in 2018 and this was aimed to explore new areas of cooperation.

“The summit will focus on subjects like post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, innovation and technology, renewable energy, the evolving global security scenario and India-Nordic cooperation in the Arctic region,” PM Modi was quoted as saying.

Besides the bilateral aspect of his Denmark visit, Modi will also hold talks with Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II.

Modi will also be holding meets with top CEOs in Denmark, urging them to set up manufacturing plants in India.

After his Copenhagen leg of his visit, Modi will then stopover in Paris to meet his ‘friend’ Emmanuel Macron . Macron made history recently when he became the only French leader after Jacques Chirac to be re-elected to office.

“President Macron and I will share assessments on various regional and global issues and will take stock of ongoing bilateral cooperation. It is my firm belief that two countries that share such similar vision and values for the global order, must work in close cooperation with each other,” Prime Minister Modi said in a statement before he left on the three-nation visit.

What’s on the agenda?

Narendra Modi’s Europe visit is very significant as it comes at a time when Russia continues its onslaught on Ukraine.

India has continued to maintain a neutral stance on the matter and continues to do business with Moscow on arms and oil.

Over the past few weeks, there has been a flurry of diplomatic visits with foreign ministers from UK, Poland, Portugal, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway among others and the president of the European Commission visiting India.

Apart from the Russia-Ukraine war, energy security will be a crucial matter.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said ahead of the visit, “Energy security, the changing elements of energy security, challenges in this space and mitigation of these challenges, the solution we could find, naturally are some of the key elements… This would constitute one of the elements in the overall discussions.”

The foreign visit will also focus on how to help revive growth in a world shattered by the coronavirus pandemic.

The economy and business and securing safe supply chains will dominate the discussions. “The focus will be on sustainability and green energy both in Germany and at the Nordic Summit in Denmark,” Gurjit Singh, a former ambassador to Germany, was quoted as telling The Outlook .

It’s left to be seen if Modi will be able to work his charm in Europe, but it’s clear that India will protect her self-interests and not yield to foreign pressure on the issue of Russia and Ukraine.

With inputs from agencies

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PM Modi’s first foreign tour in 2022 likely to be in UAE

Pm narendra modi is slated to visit dubai expo 2020 in the uae early in 2022..

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PM Modi’s first foreign tour in 2022 likely to be in UAE

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to the United Arab Emirates at the beginning of 2022 to attend the Dubai Expo 2020, where the Indian pavilion has been a grand success. This could be his first visit abroad in the new year.

Titled “A sustainable future for the planet”, India’s massive four-floor pavilion promises to captivate visitors with a mix of Ayurveda, yoga, space programmes, and its fast-growing USD 2.5 trillion economy.

ALSO READ | India Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 records 2 lakh footfall in one month

PM Modi will travel to Dubai and visit the expo to support the increased India-UAE trade and business engagements that span across all spheres from goods to technology, to artificial intelligence, space, etc. Apart from his visit to Dubai Expo 2020, Modi will engage the UAE leadership in high-level bilateral exchanges.

A 360-degree digital recreation of India’s past, present, and future has been developed at the India pavilion, which was inaugurated by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

ALSO READ: India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai to showcase talent, trade, tradition, tourism, technology

There have been high-level ministerial visits to the expo with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri, and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan exploring the event.

“This is the first time a world expo has been organised in our region,” UAE envoy to India Ambassador Ahmed Albanna had said during a press conference. The UAE was among four countries that had bid for the event. The others were Thailand (Bangkok), Brazil (S£o Paulo), Turkey (Istanbul), Russia (Yekaterinburg).

ALSO READ | We must all be alert in light of new Covid variant: PM Modi

The event organisers also plan on facilitating the travel of students from universities and schools within the UAE and outside. “We are expecting more than 2,00,000 students to visit the expo,” said the UAE ambassador.

Major events are scheduled in January around the time when Prime Minister Modi will be there. Published By: Abhishek Chakraborty Published On: Nov 30, 2021 --- ENDS ---

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PM Modi expected to make first foreign visit in 2022 to UAE

The dates for the visit are yet to be finalised and a lot will depend on the evolving covid-19 situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to make his foreign trip in 2022 to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to boost bilateral ties and to visit the Dubai Expo, people familiar with the matter said on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File photo)

The dates for the visit are yet to be finalised and a lot will depend on the evolving Covid-19 situation, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity.

India’s four-storey pavilion at the Dubai Expo has emerged as a key attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors. External affairs minister S Jaishankar visited the pavilion during a trip to the UAE this month.

Modi, who visited the UAE in 2015, 2018 and 2019, is expected to hold talks with the top leadership of the emirates.

India and the UAE are currently preparing for the third round of negotiations on a proposed comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) that they hope to finalise in the first quarter of next year.

There was no official word on the planned visit.

The government has focused on strengthening strategic and energy ties with several West Asian countries, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia. India, Israel, the UAE and the US recently held the first virtual meeting of their foreign ministers that focused on economic and business collaboration between the four countries. They are also working on holding the first in-person ministerial meeting of what has been described as a “new Quad”.

The new bloc is also expected to work on maritime security and infrastructure projects that leverage the strengths of the four countries. At the same time, India, Israel and the UAE have stepped up trilateral cooperation, especially after the signing of the Abraham Accords.

The UAE is home to more than three million Indian expatriates, the largest ethnic community in the emirates comprising professionals and blue-collar workers and their families.

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PM’s first foreign visit in 2022: This is where Modi might travel to in New Year

Though no dates have been announced officially, sources confirming this to financial express online also indicated that “the visit is likely to take place in january..

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. (PTI Image)

Early January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This according to sources will be his first visit in 2022. Though no dates have been announced officially, sources confirming this to Financial Express Online also indicated that “The visit is likely to take place in January. However no dates have been confirmed as it all now depends on the COVID situation with the recent discovery of the new COVID-19 variant. The focus will be on the ongoing Dubai Expo where India is showcasing its achievements over 75 years of Independence.”

And “other issues related to the ongoing discussions of India -UAE Free Trade Agreement, as well as the new grouping of India-US-UAE-Israel will be the focus of talks with the leadership of the Gulf nation.”

India Pavilion at Dubai Expo

The BRICS Council of Foreign Ministers will meet June 10-11 (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia)

The pavilion divided in two parts is in a four storey building and has attracted a large number of visitors.

Highlights of the pavilion are the focus in 11 main sectors including: Travel and Connectivity; Urban and Rural Development; Water; Climate and Biodiversity; Space, Tolerance and Inclusivity; Health and Wellness; and Food, Agriculture and Livelihoods.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar was in Dubai and had the India Pavilion at the Dubai Expo. And during his interaction with the media, Dr Jaishankar had indicated that after the hybrid meeting of the foreign ministers of the US, Israel, UAE, soon there will be an in-person meeting and it will take place most likely in Dubai.

While there, the Indian foreign minister also had interaction with the top leadership of the country.

In October, four countries including India had decided to form a new group focusing on Economic Cooperation and is being called the West Asia QUAD.

This new QUAD has identified areas of interests and cooperation including maritime security, infrastructure projects, economics and trade and other projects to be undertaken jointly. As has been reported earlier, the four ministers in their hybrid meeting had agreed to have a forum for furthering economic cooperation.

India-UAE Military Cooperation

For the first time, earlier this year, India participated in a major multinational air combat exercise in the UAE and had deployed fighter jets and heavy-duty airlift aircraft.

For “Desert Flag’’ the IAF had sent six Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, two C-17 Globemaster-III aircraft and around 125 personnel. Air Forces from the US, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, France, South Korea and UAE had participated in the drill in the Persian Gulf.

And countries like Kuwait, Jordan, Greece and Egypt were the “observers” for the war-games which were three weeks long and were coordinated by the air warfare centre of the Al Dhafra air base in UAE.

In the last five years, this was the fourth time that IAF had participated in a multilateral exercise. In 2016, IAF had gone for the American ‘Red Flag’, in 2017 for the Israeli ‘Blue Flag’ and the Australian ‘Pitch Black’ war games in 2018.

On an invitation from Major General Ibrahim Nasser M Al Alawi, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence (UAE AF and AD), former Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria had visited UAE. The visit took place in August this year and was eight months after the Indian Army Chief’s visit to that country.

The former Air Chief’s visit had focused on further deepening of the defence cooperation and Air Force level exchanges as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides.

In the first ever such visit, in 2020, Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane had visited UAE and Saudi Arabia.

India already enjoys close strategic-military ties with the UAE, a country which provided support by sending its own Airbus MRTT refuelling aircraft to IAF’s new Rafale fighters on their over 7,000-km flight to India from France.

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India - Bangladesh Joint Statement during the State Visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India

1. H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, paid a State Visit to India from 05-08 September 2022 at the invitation of Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi. During the visit, H.E. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu and the Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Shri G. Kishan Reddy called on her. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s programme also includes launching of "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Student Scholarship” for 200 descendants of Indian Armed Forces personnel martyred and critically injured during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. She also addressed a business event, jointly organized by Indian and Bangladesh business communities on 7 September 2022. 2. Both Prime Ministers held a restricted meeting and tête-à-tête followed by delegation level talks on 6 September 2022. The meetings were marked by great warmth and cordiality. The two Leaders expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations, based on deep historical and fraternal ties and shared values of democracy and pluralism, which is reflected in an all-encompassing bilateral partnership, based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that transcends even a strategic partnership. 3. The two Leaders recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State Visit in March 2021 to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh, the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, which was followed by the State Visit of the President of India in December 2021, to attend the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Victory Day of Bangladesh, as the Guest of Honour. 4. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the continued exchange of high-level visits which have helped in achieving progress in the various areas of cooperation. Both sides also recalled the successful holding of the Seventh Meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission, led by the Foreign Ministers of two countries held at New Delhi, India in June 2022. 5. The two Prime Ministers held discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, including political and security cooperation, defence, border management, trade and connectivity, water resources, power and energy, development cooperation, cultural and people-to-people links. They also agreed to collaborate in new areas of cooperation, such as, environment, climate change, cyber security, ICT, space technology, green energy and blue economy. 6. They further discussed the various aspects of regional and global issues of interest. Keeping in mind the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the supply chain disruptions due to global developments, the Leaders emphasized the need for greater collaboration in the spirit of friendship and partnership for prosperity and development of the region. 7. The two Leaders underscored the importance of implementing bilateral and sub-regional rail, road, and other connectivity initiatives. Both sides welcomed the ongoing bilateral initiatives, such as, conversion to dual-gauge of Tongi-Akhaura line, supply of railway rolling stock, capacity building for the personnel of Bangladesh Railway, sharing of IT solutions for improved services of Bangladesh Railway etc. Both sides also welcomed the new initiatives, namely, Kaunia-Lalmonirhat-Mogalghat-New Gitaldaha link, establishing a link between Hili and Birampur, upgradation of track and signaling systems and railway stations along the Benapole-Jashore line, link restoration between Burimari and Changrabandha, construction of a container depot at Sirajganj etc. and both sides agreed to explore funding of these projects through a range of financial instruments under the bilateral development cooperation. The Bangladesh side welcomed the gesture of India for providing 20 broad-gauge diesel locomotives on grant. 8. The two Leaders appreciated the growth in bilateral trade, with India emerging as the largest export destination for Bangladesh in Asia. The Bangladesh side requested the Indian side for predictable supply of the essential food commodities from India such as rice, wheat, sugar, onion, ginger and garlic. The Indian side conveyed that Bangladesh’s requests will be favourably considered based on prevalent supply conditions in India, and all efforts will be made in this regard. 9. Recognizing that peaceful management of India-Bangladesh border is a shared priority, the two Leaders directed the officials to expedite work to complete all pending developmental works within 150 yards of the Zero Line, including fencing starting with the Tripura sector with the objective of maintaining a tranquil and crime-free border. 10. Noting with satisfaction that the number of deaths due to incidents along the border has significantly reduced, both sides agreed to work towards bringing the number down to zero. Both sides noted with appreciation the stepped up efforts by the two border guarding forces against smuggling of arms, narcotics and fake currency and to prevent trafficking, particularly of women and children. Both Leaders reiterated their strong commitment to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and decided to further strengthen their cooperation to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation in the region and beyond. 11. Noting with satisfaction the convening of the 38th Ministerial Meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission of India and Bangladesh (23-25 August 2022, New Delhi), the two Leaders welcomed the signing of an MoU between the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of the Republic of India and Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on Withdrawal of Water by India and Bangladesh from Common Border River Kushiyara, that will help Bangladesh to address its irrigation needs and facilitate water projects for South Assam. 12. The Indian side requested for early signing of the interim water sharing agreement on Feni River, taking into account the urgent irrigation requirements of the State of Tripura. The Bangladesh side took note of the Indian request. The Indian side thanked Bangladesh for enabling India to construct the intake well to implement the 2019 MoU between the two countries on withdrawal of 1.82 cusec of water from Feni River for drinking water supply for Sabroom town in Tripura. 13. Recognizing the importance of water management in the bilateral relationship, the Leaders appreciated the decision of Joint Rivers Commission for widening the area of cooperation by including additional number of rivers for prioritizing the exchange of data and formulating the framework of the interim water sharing agreements. The Leaders welcomed the formation of a Joint Technical Committee to conduct a study for optimum utilization of water received by Bangladesh under the provisions of Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, 1996. 14. Recalling earlier discussions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s long pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta River, the draft of which was finalized in 2011. Both Leaders also directed the officials to work together to address issues such as pollution in rivers and to improve riverine environment and river navigability in respect of common rivers. 15. In the spirit of enhancing sub-regional cooperation, the two Leaders agreed to expeditiously implement projects to connect the two countries’ power grids synchronously, including through the proposed high capacity 765 KV transmission line from Katihar (Bihar) to Bornagar (Assam) through Parbatipur in Bangladesh, to be made through a suitably-structured India-Bangladesh Joint Venture for a Special Purpose Vehicle. It was agreed to strengthen sub-regional cooperation in the power sector. The Bangladesh side requested for import of power from Nepal and Bhutan through India. The Indian side informed that the guidelines for the same are already in place in India. 16. Both Leaders reviewed the progress made on the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline that will contribute to addressing energy demands of Bangladesh. They expressed hope that the project would be completed at the earliest. The Bangladesh side also requested the Indian side to assist in meeting its domestic requirement for petroleum products. The Indian side agreed to facilitate discussions between the authorized agencies of both sides. The Indian side appreciated Bangladesh’s timely support in allowing transportation of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants from Assam to Tripura via Bangladesh in the light of disruptions due to the devastating floods in Assam and Meghalaya. The Indian side also welcomed the decision of the Bangladesh side to enlist Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) as a registered G2G supplier of refined petroleum products to Bangladesh. 17. Both Leaders expressed satisfaction at the robust cooperation between two sides in development partnership. The Bangladesh side appreciated the efficiency at which the development funds were disbursed by India, becoming the top development partner in terms of funds disbursement during the last financial year. 18. The two Leaders welcomed the successful completion of trial runs under the Agreement on the use of the Chattogram and Mongla Ports (ACMP) and looked forward to its full operationalisation at the earliest. The Indian side reiterated its request to work towards the expansion of the bilateral Coastal Shipping Agreement of 2015 to include third-country EXIM cargo. The two sides also agreed to expeditiously explore direct shipping links between the two countries. They also agreed to implement the decision to start riverine services under the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) routes 5 & 6 (Dhulian to Rajshahi -extension to Aricha) and 9 & 10 (Daudkandi to Sonamura). The Indian side requested Bangladesh to complete remaining infrastructure, immigration, and customs facilities for the operationalisation of the Maitri Bridge over River Feni, connecting Tripura with Bangladesh, at an early date. 19. The two Leaders agreed to expedite efforts to improve bilateral and sub-regional connectivity through early operationalisation of the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement. The Indian side requested the Bangladesh side for cooperation for initiating new sub-regional connectivity projects including a highway from Hili in West Bengal to Mahendraganj in Meghalaya through Bangladesh and in this regard, proposed preparation of a Detailed Project Report. In the same spirit, Bangladesh reiterated its eagerness to partner in the ongoing initiative of the India – Myanmar - Thailand trilateral highway project. 20. The Indian side informed that it has offered free transit via its territory to Bangladesh for exporting its products to third countries through specified Land Customs Stations/Airports/Seaports. In this regard, the Indian side invited Bangladesh business community for using its port infrastructure for transshipment to third countries. India has also been providing free transit to Bangladesh for exporting its products to Nepal and Bhutan. The Bangladesh side also requested rail connectivity with Bhutan through the newly inaugurated Chilahati – Haldibari route. The Indian side agreed to consider the request, based on its viability and feasibility. To make this and other cross border rail links viable, the Indian side requested the Bangladesh side to remove port restrictions, inter alia at the Chilahati – Haldibari crossing. 21. The two Leaders welcomed the recent finalization of a Joint Feasibility Study which recommended that Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will be beneficial for both countries. They directed trade officials on both sides to start negotiations within the calendar year 2022 and to complete these at the earliest, in time for Bangladesh’s final graduation from LDC status. 22. Reiterating the importance of facilitating trade between the two countries, they stressed the urgent need for up-gradation of infrastructure and facilities at the Land Customs Stations/Land Ports, and for removal of port restrictions and other non-tariff barriers at identified Land Custom Stations. The Indian side reiterated its request for at least one major land port without port restrictions or negative list of restrictions, on the border with North Eastern States of India, for easier market access, starting with ICP Agartala-Akhaura. Both Leaders welcomed the progress made on India’s proposal to fund the development of a second freight gate at Petrapole-Benapole ICP and directed the officials to complete the work at the earliest. 23. The two Leaders also expressed satisfaction at the intensification of bilateral defence ties. They also agreed for early finalization of projects under the Line of Credit for defence, which would be beneficial for both the countries. India welcomed the finalization of initial procurement plans for vehicles for the Bangladesh Armed Forces in this regard and looked forward to enhancing bilateral defence ties. The Indian side reiterated its request for implementing the 2019 MoU for providing a coastal radar system for greater maritime security, at an early date. 24. Welcoming the close cooperation between the two countries during the COVID-19 pandemic including through Vaccine Maitri and Oxygen express trains to Bangladesh, and Bangladesh’s gift of medicines to India, the two Leaders emphasized the need to increase people-to-people ties. The Leaders expressed satisfaction at the resumption of rail, road, air and water-related connectivity. In this regard, the Bangladesh side welcomed India reopening facilities at most of the road and rail immigration check posts and requested restoration of immigration facilities to pre-COVID-19 level at all land ports/ICPs to facilitate movement, at an early date. Both Leaders welcomed starting of regular services of Mitali Express since June 2022, the third passenger train between India and Bangladesh. 25. Both Leaders looked forward to the early launch of the jointly-produced film on Bangabandhu (Mujib: the Making of A Nation).They also agreed to work towards other initiatives including operationalisation of "Shadhinota Shorok”- the historic road from Mujib Nagar in Bangladesh to the India-Bangladesh border in Nadia, West Bengal, and production of a documentary on the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. The Bangladesh side also proposed joint compilation of rare video footage on the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. The Bangladesh side appreciated the establishment of Bangabandhu Chair at University of Delhi, by the Indian side. 26. The two Leaders looked forward to the first visit of a start-up delegation from Bangladesh that would stimulate partnership in innovation between the two countries. Both sides also expressed satisfaction at the resumption of youth exchanges being planned in the coming months. The Bangladesh side conveyed deep appreciation for India’s initiative to provide medical treatment of Bangladesh’s Muktijodhas at medical facilities in India. 27. The Leaders stressed on the effective implementation of the 2011 MoU on ‘Conservation of the Sundarbans’ including through the convening of the JWG at the earliest, so that the ecosystem of this deltaic forest and the people dependent on this ecosystem can live sustainably. 28. Both sides acknowledged the importance of leveraging the potential of new and emerging areas of cooperation and directed authorities on both sides to augment cooperation in cutting edge areas of peaceful use of outer space, green energy, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and technology enabled services in finance, health and education. 29. With regard to the regional situation, India expressed appreciation at the generosity of Bangladesh in sheltering and providing humanitarian assistance to over a million persons forcibly displaced from the Rakhine State in Myanmar and underlined its continuing commitment to support both Bangladesh and Myanmar, as the only country that is neighbour of both, in the effort to ensure safe, sustainable, and expeditious return of these forcibly displaced people to their homeland. 30. The two sides underscored the need to work for strengthened regional cooperation through regional organizations. The Indian side appreciated the contribution of Bangladesh in hosting the BIMSTEC Secretariat and developing its infrastructure. The Indian side reiterated its support to Bangladesh in its capacity as the Chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). 31. The following MoUs and Agreements were signed and exchanged during the visit: a) MoU between the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India and Ministry of Water Resources, Government of Bangladesh on Withdrawal of Water by India and Bangladesh from Common Border River Kushiyara; b) MoU between the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), Government of India and the Ministry of Railways, Government of Bangladesh on Training of Bangladesh Railway Personnel in India; c) MoU between the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), Government of India and the Ministry of Railways, Government of Bangladesh on Collaboration in IT systems such as FOIS and other IT Applications for Bangladesh Railway; d) MoU on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), India and Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (BCSIR), Bangladesh; e) MoU on Cooperation in the Areas of Space Technology between Newspace India Limited and Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited; f) MoU between the Prasar Bharti and Bangladesh Television (BTV) on Cooperation in Broadcasting; & g) MoU between the National Judicial Academy, India and the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on Training and Capacity Building Programme for Bangladesh Judicial Officers in India. 32. The following were unveiled/announced/released during the visit: a) Unveiling of Unit-I of Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant, Rampal, Bangladesh; b) Inauguration of Rupsha railway bridge; c) Announcement of signing of project management consultancy contracts for Khulna – Darshana railway line and Parbotipur – Kaunia railway line. d) Presentation of the book containing translation of the historic ‘7th March Speech’ of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 23 Indian and 5 languages of other South Asian countries, by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. e) Announcement regarding offer of 20 broad gauge locomotives to Bangladesh Railway on grant basis. f) Announcement regarding supply of road construction equipment and machinery to Road and Highways Department, Government of Bangladesh. 33. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the warm and generous hospitality of the Government and the people of India. Prime Minister Hasina extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Bangladesh and the two Leaders looked forward to continuing interactions at all levels and fora.

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List of countries visited by Narendra Modi for the first time ever as Indian Prime Minister

Prime minister narendra modi has made a deep impact on the world stage..

As PM embarks on his visit to France, here is a look at countries where Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister ever to visit.

Mongolia: Narendra Modi was the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit Mongolia in May 2015. During his visit, various agreements were signed between both nations.

Palestine: PM Modi visited Palestine in February 2018, the first for any Indian Prime Minister. During his visit, he signed six agreements worth around $50 million that includes setting up of a $30 million super speciality hospital in Beit Sahur. He was also conferred the highest civilian award of Palestine, the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine.

Rwanda: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Rwanda visit in July 2018 was the first visit to the East African country by any Indian Prime Minister. He held a bilateral meeting with the President of Rwanda and also met the business community. The PM visited the Genocide Memorial and participated in an event on "Girinka” (one cow per family), a national social protection scheme of Rwanda personally initiated by President Paul Kagame.

Israel: In the year 2017, Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. During the visit, seven MoUs were signed.

Bahrain: PM Modi visited the Kingdom of Bahrain in August 2019. This was the first-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to the Kingdom. PM Modi held talks with Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and other leaders. He also interacted with the Indian diaspora.

Papua New Guinea: Prime Minister Modi was the Indian leader to visit Papua New Guinea. He visited the world's third-largest island country in May 2023.

List of nations Indian PM visited after a long time

Fiji: In 2014 November, PM Modi visited Fiji. He became the first Indian head of government to visit Fiji after 33 years, after Indira Gandhi's visit in 1981. During his maiden visit, the PM attended a 'Forum for India-Pacific Island Cooperation' along with leaders from all 14 Pacific island nations. He was conferred with the highest honour of Fiji. PM Modi was conferred with the "The Companion of the Order of Fiji" in recognition of his global leadership.

Seychelles: In March 2015, PM Modi visited Seychelles, thus becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to Seychelles in 33 years, after Indira Gandhi. Modi's visit to Seychelles was part of his "Indian Ocean outreach" programme.

Mozambique: PM Narendra Modi visited Mozambique in 2016. This was the first prime ministerial visit from India to Mozambique after the visit of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1982.

Sweden: PM Modi visited Sweden in April 2018. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Sweden in 30 years. PM Modi, during his bilateral visit to Sweden, held productive talks with Swedish PM Stefan Lofven. PM Modi interacted with leading business leaders. The PM also met His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden.

UAE: In August 2015, PM Modi visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He was the first Indian Prime Minister in 34 years to visit the UAE. Indira Gandhi was the last Indian Prime Minister to have made a trip to the country in 1981.

Ireland: PM Modi made a stopover in Ireland in 2015, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in around 60 years. Jawaharlal Nehru was the last Indian Prime Minister to visit Ireland in 1956.

Turkmenistan: Modi was the second Indian PM to visit Turkmenistan in 2015 after PV Narasimha Rao. PM Modi visited Turkmenistan and other central Asian countries following his visit to Russia for the BRICS summit.

Jordan: PM Modi visited Jordan in 2018, making it the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years. Rajiv Gandhi visited the nation in 1988. PM Modi held a meeting with Prime Minister Hani Al-Mulki and King Abdullah II of Jordan.

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Modi State Visit Modi Promotes India to Congress After Meeting With Biden

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized his country’s development and played up what he described as commonalities with the U.S. Earlier, he ducked a question about his government’s treatment of minorities.

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Modi Praises ‘Limitless’ Potential of U.S.-India Partnership

In a speech to congress, prime minister narendra modi of india promoted his nation’s development and said the relationship between his country and the united states was important for democracy’s future..

The U.S. is the oldest — and India, the largest — democracy. Our partnership augurs well for the future of democracy. [cheers] Together, we shall give a better future to the world and a better world to the future. Everyone wants to understand India’s development, democracy and diversity. Everyone wants to know what India is doing right and how. We are not only growing bigger, but we are also growing faster. When India grows, the whole world grows. I can go on and go on. But to summarize I would say: The scope of our cooperation is endless, the potential of our synergy is limitless and the chemistry of our relations is effortless.

Peter Baker

Biden welcomes India’s prime minister despite concerns over human rights.

President Biden emphasized common ground with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on Thursday during a lavish state visit meant to bolster ties with the world’s most populous nation, while largely skirting points of friction over human rights and Russia’s war in Ukraine, at least in public.

After a pomp-filled, red-carpet arrival ceremony, Mr. Biden and Mr. Modi announced a range of initiatives to advance cooperation in technology, energy and military hardware but revealed no movement toward each other on the areas of disagreement that have strained the relationship in recent months, most especially Ukraine.

In a modest but notable breakthrough, however, Mr. Biden coaxed Mr. Modi into taking questions from reporters at a news conference, apparently the first time he has done so in his nearly decade-long tenure .

Here’s what else to know:

Challenged on his record on human rights and religious freedom, Mr. Modi insisted that democracy was “in India’s DNA” and denied that his government had engaged in discrimination based on race, faith or other such distinctions. Mr. Modi’s government has cracked down on dissent and hounded opponents in a way that has raised fears of an authoritarian turn not seen since India’s slip into dictatorship in the 1970s. In hosting Mr. Modi, Mr. Biden is pushing democracy concerns to the background .

The United States is trying to draw India closer , as the urgency for improved relations has intensified with Russia’s war on Ukraine. India has maintained military and economic relations with Russia, buying up Russian oil at a discount and staying away from backing United Nations resolutions that have condemned Russia’s aggression.

Mr. Modi gave an address to a joint session of Congress where he promoted his country’s development and played up what he described as common themes with the United States.

The two leaders announced initiatives advancing cooperation on telecommunications, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and other areas. Mr. Modi agreed to sign the Artemis Accords — principles governing peaceful exploration of the moon, Mars and other celestial bodies — and they will announce a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024. The United States and India also will open additional consulates in each other’s country.

Tonight, the Bidens will host Mr. Modi for a state dinner on the South Lawn. The vegetarian menu — in accordance with Mr. Modi’s diet — includes an optional fish entree. The first course will be a marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad with compressed watermelon and avocado sauce, followed by a main course of stuffed portobello mushrooms and creamy saffron-infused risotto.

Suhasini Raj

Indian television heaps praise on Modi during his trip.

“Super King of Diplomacy,” read the ticker placed in bold on top of one news channel. “Long live our friendship,” said another. A third declared, “The Boss in America.”

Mainstream Indian news channels — in Hindi, English and some regional languages — covered Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reception in Washington with adulation, praising his diplomatic skills for millions of viewers before a crucial election year for him.

The visuals from Washington played into what Mr. Modi has already set as one of his main campaign themes: tying India’s rise as a major economic power with his rise as a global statesman.

“The scale, the splendor, the warmth,” one headline enthused. Others, such as “Modi’s breakthrough diplomacy” and “Watch history being made,” flooded Indians’ homes Thursday evening as Mr. Modi walked the red carpet to meet President Biden and the first lady, Jill Biden.

“Their body language reflected that they were incomplete without one another,” one news anchor said as visuals of the two leaders shaking hands played on the screen.

Mr. Modi has carefully crafted his relationship with traditional news outlets, using a mix of incentives and pressure tactics to get most of them on his side.

When uncomfortable issues arise — a state election loss, an ethnic war resulting in weeks of unrest and bloodshed in a northeastern state, a deadly three-way train crash — they are quick to deflect blame away from Mr. Modi.

And when a major moment like the state visit to Washington comes, they are happy to join in the cheerleading — a factor that, combined with how Mr. Modi’s party has mastered social media to take his messages viral, helps explain Mr. Modi’s talent for shaping politics to his benefit.

The coverage of Mr. Modi’s visit to the United States is a political boon, setting the agenda in his favor before he launches himself full-time into campaign mode for parliamentary elections next year.

While many channels showed the White House dinner menu ad nauseam, calling it “dinner for friendship,” some others waxed eloquent about the importance of the gifts Mr. Modi had carried for the Bidens. One anchor declared of a military deal between the two countries: “The biggest defense deal. The hearts of enemies will burn!”

And when, at his news conference with Mr. Biden, Mr. Modi skirted a question on India’s grim human rights record and suppression of free speech, one Hindi-language news anchor came to his rescue on her show, saying he had “very bravely” faced the question.

Lisa Friedman

The U.S. and India agree to speed deployment of electric buses.

The United States and India have long been at odds over the responsibility of different countries in tackling climate change. But as Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up a visit to Washington, he and President Biden cast their nations as partners in the fight.

As Mr. Biden declared climate change an “existential threat to humanity” during a joint news conference on Thursday, Mr. Modi pledged that India was working to become a green energy hub. Both governments also announced plans to help India increase the production of electric vehicles and meet its ambitious goal of installing 500 gigawatts of wind, solar and other renewable energy this decade.

The Biden administration did not announce any direct U.S. funding for India. But senior administration officials said the governments had agreed on a plan they believed would encourage banks to give loans for electric buses, which are seen as a high-risk investment in India.

India aims to deploy 50,000 public electric buses over the next five years. The plan includes establishing three months of delayed payments so that companies can secure loans at lower rates. Biden administration officials said the payment security plan will help underwrite at least 10,000 electric buses.

The United States and India also announced a separate investment plan that officials said will be joined by private companies and others that aims to lower the cost of capital and attract international private finance for large-scale renewable energy projects. The joint announcement billed it a “first of its kind, multibillion dollar” package but no specific dollar figure from the United States or any other country or organization was announced.

Katie Rogers

Guests just started arriving at the White House for the state dinner. Some of the more notable names include Huma Abedin, a former senior adviser to Hillary Clinton; the designer Reem Acra; Apple’s Tim Cook; Hunter and Ashley Biden; and the president’s brother, James.

Alex Travelli and Mujib Mashal

Reporting from New Delhi

One accomplishment of Modi’s visit? Greater defense cooperation between India and the U.S.

One of the biggest takeaways from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit might be that it has injected new momentum into defense cooperation between the United States and India, a slow and turbulent undertaking in the past.

The two sides announced a deal for coproduction in India of engines for fighter aircraft, a $3 billion purchase of about 30 American Reaper drones by India, and a road map to expand cooperation between the two countries’ defense industries. There were also agreements on intelligence sharing and on space-based, quantum and other strategic technologies.

For the Biden administration, helping India expand its defense manufacturing tracks with its efforts to further isolate Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine . India has long relied on Russia for a majority of its military equipment, and any increase in manufacturing capability at home or diversification of its arms sources would lessen its purchases from Russia.

For India, the United States’ latest efforts to improve defense ties is in line with its attempt to grow its domestic manufacturing and reduce its reliance on foreign partners.

India’s military forces have stuck to most of the same weapons systems that they began using during the Cold War. India was neutral but tended to side more closely with the Soviet Union. Indian officials have said their dependence on Russian weapons over the decades was simply out of necessity: The U.S. long held back on sales of military equipment to India, and that has only started to change over the past two decades. As a result, the Indian armed forces still use equipment of Soviet design and specifications. Parts cannot be swapped out, piecemeal, for American-standard weaponry. In some rare cases, as with India’s use of Lockheed’s C-130 Hercules transport plane, a stand-alone American platform can be soldered onto the existing framework. But for the most part, the systems are not interoperable.

Technical challenges aside, one thing that the defense road map seems to be addressing is the reluctance that has kept the world’s biggest two democracies from seeing eye-to-eye. They have a long history of disagreement, over matters including Pakistan, Iraq and United Nations votes. But tensions with China are bringing them to the same table, especially after Indian and Chinese troops started clashing along their Himalayan border in 2020.

Australia and Japan, the other members of the fledgling security bloc aimed at containing China around the “Indo-Pacific region” (as the Americans renamed it, to include the Indian Ocean, in 2018), have long-established military partnerships and even alliances with the United States.

The “ Roadmap for U.S.-India Defense Industrial Cooperation ,” published earlier this month, illustrates the American goal of making India into something more like a formidable ally — and the Indian goal of beefing up its own capabilities. They find common cause in trying to “cooperatively produce the systems required to meet India’s military modernization objectives.”

But India’s ties with Russia are deep and cannot be undone quickly or with good will alone. Ajai Shukla, a retired colonel with the Indian Army who writes extensively about defense, is skeptical that America will find any durable role to play. He recalls how Alexander Kadakin, a Russian ambassador to India, liked to tell the story about visiting the Indian space centers and feeling more at home there than he did in Russia — because so many of the scientists were speaking Russian.

Karoun Demirjian

Modi waves to crowd in the third floor gallery, who stuck around to cheer him as he slowly makes his way toward the exit. Emphasis on slowly. He stopped for more autographs and pictures on the way out.

He texted from the speech to say that he “appreciated PM Modi’s unequivocal statement that India must be home to all faiths and celebrate all of them.” But he added that “American leaders need to also have the difficult conversations with Indian leaders about protecting minority rights, an open press and open internet.”

At the White House, some 400 guests are going to pass by reporters to attend the dinner. One of the guests is Representative Ro Khanna, Democrat of California, who played a part in inviting Modi to give an address to Congress.

Here’s why Modi and many other Indian politicians stay single.

When President Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, take their place on the red carpet at the White House on Thursday to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, there will be an asymmetry of sorts in the picture-perfect setting.

Mr. Modi will go stag.

While a family-centric image is often a political selling point in the United States, in India, many top leaders — the prime minister among them — are proudly unattached, to make a statement that no other commitment can come between them and the nation.

Work-life balance? Not for politicians in the world’s largest democracy, who stay busy attending to the needs of 1.4 billion people and compete with one another in their declarations of sleep deprivation. (Mr. Modi clocks only four hours of slumber a night, his aides say.)

“Every moment of my time, every pore of my body, is only for my countrymen,” the prime minister said in 2019 after winning re-election .

India may seem a strange place for expressions of solitary political devotion. Here, family comes before self and arranged marriages keep families together. Nearly a third of new members of Parliament have had a relative in elected office or a prominent party position, according to one study .

But in a country tired of official corruption, with lawmakers enriching themselves and their families and ensuring political futures for their children, many voters have come to believe that single politicians are less likely to steal.

“The very strong perception,” said Ajoy Bose, a journalist and author, “is that they have no personal interest. That they belong to the people.”

Modi is sticking around in the well of the chamber to shake hands and sign autographs after the speech. In the gaggle of lawmakers around him are Representatives Shri Thanedar, Democrat of Michigan who was born in India; Mike Lawler, Republican of New York; Brad Sherman, Democrat of California; and Joe Wilson, Republican of South Carolina. Modi seems to be enjoying the attention and is not in a rush to leave the chamber -- though his security detail is trying to gently nudge him out.

As Modi makes his way out of the House chamber, he is stopped by members asking him to autograph their printed copies of his remarks.

Alex Travelli

India’s economy is already a star, but Modi wants the attention of American businesses and investors.

NEW DELHI — The state visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India is full of eye-catching moments — practicing yoga outside the United Nations building in New York and addressing a joint session of Congress — that seem designed to burnish both India’s image on the world stage and his own image at home.

Apart from impressing voters back home and his fellow statesmen, Mr. Modi is hoping to get the attention of American businesses and investors.

India’s expanding economy is already in some ways a star. It displaced Britain as the world’s fifth biggest economy last year, and is on track to outpace both Germany and Japan in the decade ahead. The value of the companies listed on its stock markets are worth $3.3 trillion, more than ever before, and Mr. Modi’s government has tackled some challenges that have long stymied Indian growth, including rickety infrastructure and banks burdened with bad loans.

Foreign investors have taken notice, especially with much of the world’s economy looking shaky. A string of high-tech, high-value companies have flocked to India this year, with Apple and possibly Tesla making it known that they see a big future here.

But there are ominous signs, too. While foreign investment has been pouring in and the government has spent heavily on roads, energy and other public goods, private Indian investment has shrunk in proportion to the whole. And the incomes of average Indians have hardly budged in recent years, with most of the country still dependent on farming and many others working in jobs that barely keep them fed.

Indian and American policymakers and businessmen have been trying to devise ways that the United States could help India meet the moment — through a combination of trade, technology transfer, labor mobility and integration with global supply chains.

India’s trade with the United States is worth about $190 billion now, Atul Keshap, a former American ambassador to New Delhi who is president of the U.S.-India Business Council, said in an online discussion this week. It should soon be worth $500 billion, he argued, on par with the size of the U.S. trade relationships with only a few others: Canada, Mexico, the European Union and China.

The relationship could be boosted by the two countries’ altered relationships with China, not only in geopolitics, but also in civilian business and trade. American companies and political leaders are eyeing India — with its 1.4 billion people, same as China — as the sole country fit to shoulder some of the immense weight that China has carried in the world economy. “It’s a lot easier to invest $100 million in a country with 1.4 billion people than in a country with 40 million people,” said Cate Ambrose, chief executive of the Global Private Capital Association, an industry group focused on emerging markets.

With much of the world’s economy hindered by the war in Ukraine, inflation and other headwinds, the Indian economy’s power increasingly stands out. This week, Airbus, a European airplane-maker, signed deal to sell 500 aircraft to IndiGo, a low-cost Indian carrier founded in 2006. It is the kind of contract that American leaders dream of winning for the U.S. airplane giant Boeing.

Indians’ median incomes may be stagnant, even as gains made by wealthier people have brought the per capita income up to $1,200 a year. But the room for growth makes the country attractive as a consumer market. Last year, for example, 123 million passengers flew between India’s airports. The government’s goal is to reach 1 billion by 2040.

A new emphasis in the U.S.-India relationship is high-value manufacturing, and an initiative on emerging technologies has brought together government agencies from both countries to speed up cooperation on microchips, satellites and artificial intelligence. The White House argues that these projects, which sidestep bilateral trade negotiations, should help foster “resilient supply chains” for both countries.

Damien Cave

One of the things that makes Modi an interesting kind of popular leader in our current global moment might be his optimistic tone. He speaks of positive momentum, success and destiny more than flaws and enemies.

Mujib Mashal

As we wrote in our recent story about his role as a radio host, Modi has many avatars for keeping himself intimately omnipresent across India’s vastness — including that of a poet. He has written poetry in Gujarati, though he was reading a Hindi poem just now.

Congressional addresses often end with poetic language, but not usually poetry. After quoting the poem Amanda Gorman read at President Biden’s inauguration, Modi recited lines in Hindi that he penned himself.

On China, Modi has always been careful to avoid escalating tensions. When tensions at the India-China border escalated to bloody skirmishes, American diplomats were saying Modi’s government was not comfortable with U.S. officials mentioning China by name in statements made out of New Delhi.

A policy proposal from Modi, as he calls for the African Union to get full membership in the G20. (The speech so far has been big on promoting accomplishments but light on articulating demands for change.)

As Peter notes, the omissions of the words “Russia” and “China” show how carefully Modi is choosing his words as he supports the spirit of the U.S. position, while clearly signaling that India is not going to take a side in these geopolitical rivalries.

The technology transfer piece of the defense deal reflects not just improved U.S.-India ties, but also a major shift in how the United States works with allies in the Indo-Pacific. Australia is getting nuclear-powered subs from America. Japan is buying American Tomahawk missiles. It’s all part of a broader effort to balance China’s military growth.

U.S.-India defense relations have had to overcome a history of deep mistrust rooted in both bureaucracies. But it feels like the countries are turning a new page. The American defense secretary and national security adviser were both in New Delhi in the weeks before Modi’s visit to Washington.

India’s ties to Russia stretch decades, and India still relies on Russia for a majority of its military equipment. So India has been careful in calling for peace and dialogue while staying away from condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

In discussing Ukraine, Modi calls for respecting U.N. principles of sovereignty, earning a standing ovation. He also said “we all must do what we can to stop the bloodshed and human suffering.” However, India continues to buy a lot of oil from Russia, engaging in a practice that the United States argues fuels the Russian war machine.

Likewise, when he discusses “the dark clouds of coercion and confrontation” that are “casting their shadow in the Indo-Pacific,” he leaves unstated who might be doing the coercing and confronting, never mentioning the word “China.”

When Modi mentions Ukraine, he shifts to passive construction. “With the Ukraine conflict, war has returned to Europe,” he said, without mentioning the word “Russia.”

Zolan Kanno-Youngs

Reporting from Washington

State Dinners: Who Gets Them, Who Doesn’t and Why They Matter

As President Biden welcomed India’s prime minister to the White House , the two leaders were looking for more than a fine vegetarian meal and a night of glitzy entertainment.

Under the guise of pomp and pageantry, state visits are a chance for presidents to push foreign dignitaries to align with American interests. They can be a way to celebrate old, ironclad alliances . And with high-profile guest lists , multicourse meals and top-flight entertainment, they are much-coveted invites in Washington .

“These are not just dinners,” said Matthew Costello, a senior historian for the White House Historical Association. “There’s a lot more that goes into them in terms of planning, in terms of invitations, and a lot is geopolitics, a lot is foreign policy.”

When President Dwight D. Eisenhower invited Nikita Khrushchev, the leader of the Soviet Union, to the White House in 1959, he was focused on thawing Cold War tensions after the launch of Sputnik. Before President Barack Obama hosted President Xi Jinping of China, the two countries negotiated for weeks over an arms control accord for cyberspace. President Ulysses S. Grant held the first state dinner for King David Kalakaua of Hawaii to strengthen trade.

The dinners can also provide a window into the regions the United States is prioritizing — and the ones being neglected.

European and Latin American nations have received the most state dinner invitations, while sub-Saharan African and Southeast Asian nations have received the fewest, according to a study by the Center for Global Development that tracked 40 years of state visits from the Carter to Obama administrations.

Out of 160 dinners, just 15 were with guests from sub-Saharan Africa, the study found.

“To be a foreign leader and not get the state dinner, you feel snubbed,” said Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian. “It’s often the smaller countries in the world who don’t get them, but when you’re dealing with big power players like India, it’s a must.”

The invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India was not without controversy. Mr. Biden has made the global struggle between democracy and autocracy a key part of his foreign policy, but Mr. Modi’s government has cracked down on dissent in ways that have raised fears of authoritarianism.

Still, the White House views the world’s most populous nation as a potentially welcome addition to its coalition against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as a crucial player in its growing economic competition with China.

The other nations whose leaders received the official invitation to dine with Mr. Biden — France and South Korea — have also been partners in Mr. Biden’s effort to confront Russia.

The state dinner can sometimes be a means of smoothing over hiccups among allies.

Mr. Biden hosted President Emmanuel Macron of France for the first state visit of his administration, more than a year after the two nations feuded over a deal to provide Australians with nuclear-powered submarines. Mr. Biden invited Anthony Albanese, the prime minister of Australia, for a state visit after he canceled a trip there in May because of negotiations over the debt ceiling with congressional Republicans.

“There are multiple times we see presidents using these visits to not just describe immediate concerns, but also to talk through short-term and long-term solutions,” Mr. Costello said.

Domestic politics often hang over the dinner, as well.

Julianna Smoot, Mr. Obama’s social secretary from 2010 to 2011, said she made sure to invite the often-feuding majority and minority leaders of the Senate, Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell, to state dinners for a rare détente. Governors and mayors who had previously expressed support or campaigned for the president were likely to make the list. And the primary donors of presidential campaigns could expect an invitation, particularly if they had business connections to the visiting nation.

“They didn’t become donors in politics because they were slouches,” Ms. Smoot said. “A lot of them do international work and have an interest” in attending the dinner.

The prospect of strengthening political partnerships overseas and within U.S. borders was usually enough to get a quick response from invitees.

“You’re supposed to say yes,” Ms. Smoot said of responding to the invitations, “unless there’s a death in the family.”

Cheers and laughs for Modi’s hat tip to how well Indian American kids have done in successive national spelling bees.

Mentioning that the United States “has become one of our most important defense partners” gets a standing ovation. Not mentioned: India still buys weapons from Russia.

Another thought on Modi’s sales pitch. William Dalrymple, the esteemed historian of India’s past empires, told me recently that India’s sense of overconfidence might be its biggest problem at the moment, hindering the country’s ability to fully confront and solve the enormous challenges it faces, like youth unemployment and social, economic and religious divides.

Very true, Karoun. Not much love for digital payments here in a chamber that has struggled with how to regulate technology of any kind!

Indian diaspora divided as Modi’s office lobbies US fans to influence vote

Amid India’s elections, hope, fear and anxiety grip the Indian diaspora in the US, reflecting divided sentiments about the country’s future under Modi’s potential return to power.

Supporters gather near the United Nations headquarters to welcome India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in New York. Modi joined diplomats and dignitaries at the United Nations for a morning session of yoga, praising it as "truly universal" and "a way of life." (AP Photo/Edith M. Lederer)

Washington, DC – The WhatsApp message arrives with a colourful infographic highlighting numerous achievements from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decade-long rule. It includes a succinct comparison of statistics on the economy, education, healthcare, welfare schemes and infrastructure development between the period under Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the previous government of the now-in-opposition Congress party.

On every metric, these infographics show India doing better under Modi. It is the sort of message political parties have bombarded Indians with over the past several months as the country holds the world’s largest election, with nearly a billion voters.

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But the recipients of this particular message are not Indian voters: They are members of the vast Indian diaspora in the United States, and beyond, who are being encouraged to forward these messages to relatives and friends back in India to amplify Modi’s campaign claims.

At the centre of this diaspora outreach campaign is Non Resident Indians For Mission 2024 ( NRIM ), a Florida-based company registered in July 2023.

The extent of its work and connections with Modi and his party became public only after the company was registered as a foreign agent by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) in April 2024. FARA is a law that requires individuals and entities acting on behalf of foreign governments, political parties or other foreign principals to disclose their relationships and activities.

The company’s foreign principal in the FARA filings is listed as Modi’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The FARA regulations were invoked on NRIM after its owners, Gaurang Vaishnav and Girish Gandhi, were found to have been in contact with Nirav Shah, a research officer at the PMO, regarding election campaign materials, including infographics, according to the FARA filings. Both Vaishnav and Gandhi are also senior leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America , the US offshoot of the far-right Vishwa Hindu Parishad group in India.

The persuasive infographics highlighting Modi’s achievements were intended for distribution among NRIM’s volunteers in 18 US states as well as 26 other countries. Al Jazeera contacted the DoJ to seek more details of the circumstances surrounding the group’s FARA registration, but the department declined to comment. Al Jazeera requested responses from the NRIM, and five of its leaders. They have not responded.

Apart from NRIM, the BJP’s US affiliate Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP), another registered foreign agent, is also at the forefront of efforts to mobilise support for Modi’s re-election. The group is currently engaged in a campaign to make 2.5 million phone calls to voters in India, urging them to cast their ballots in favour of the BJP for an unprecedented third term.

Modi’s office and the BJP’s direct involvement in outreach to the Indian diaspora are emblematic of the government’s close eye on the community and its adept use of their influence for political mobilisation to shape electoral outcomes at home, say members of the community.

For many in the diaspora, this involvement is a source of pride and hope as they actively campaign for Modi’s re-election. For others, it is a cause of fear and apprehension.

‘I don’t feel safe in my own home’

At home, Modi’s decade-long rule has been marred by allegations of hate, violence and discrimination against the country’s 230 million Muslim and Christian minorities, along with a crackdown on journalists, political opponents and critics. Modi and the BJP deny the accusation that they discriminate on the basis of religion, and have accused critics and opponents under arrest of facing justice for corruption or other alleged crimes.

But outside India, a new fear has taken hold of sections of the diaspora critical of the Indian government’s policies. Last June, a Canadian Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar , was killed by individuals allegedly acting on behalf of Indian government agents, according to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Nijjar advocated for Khalistan, a separate Sikh state in parts of India.

In November, a more elaborate plan to kill multiple Sikh leaders in North America was revealed after US authorities foiled what they said was an attempt to assassinate another Sikh activist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in New York.

India has denied any role in Nijjar’s killing, while it has said it is investigating allegations made by US prosecutors that an Indian agent was involved in trying to orchestrate the Pannun’s killing.

But some in the Sikh community fear that a potential third term for Modi could leave them even more vulnerable.

Pawan Singh, a Sikh activist based in Washington, DC, is in his late 30s and has personally known Pannun for many years. He is increasingly worried about his safety. “I don’t feel safe in my own home. It’s just a matter of time before one assassination attempt succeeds. Nijjar’s was successful, Pannun’s wasn’t,” says Singh in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Singh fears that if Modi returns to power, extraterritorial attacks against Sikh leaders will become more sophisticated. “Modi 3.0 will be more emboldened. The Sikh community is fearful. Our social gatherings are now dominated by conversations around transnational repression. It’s a serious threat to American sovereignty and democracy,” he says.

Some Kashmiris living in the US echo these sentiments. A Kashmiri academic, speaking to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted, says that Kashmiris in India and abroad have been completely silenced. “If Modi comes to power again, it would completely end the Kashmiri people’s ability to express dissent and resist erasure,” the academic says.

‘Nightmare for Indian Muslims’

Sabiha Rahman, a community organiser from Austin, Texas, was born and raised in New Delhi. Her grandfather, Hifzur Rahman Seoharwi, was a prominent politician and freedom fighter who fought alongside Mahatma Gandhi for Indian independence from British rule, for which he was jailed for almost eight years. After independence, he served in the Indian parliament for two consecutive terms.

“Everything has changed in the last 10 years. There is so much hatred. No member of the minority community is safe today,” Rahman tells Al Jazeera. “A potential third term for the BJP will be extremely scary. It is like a nightmare for Indian Muslims. I am scared for my extended family, who still live in India. It’s not the kind of country any more for which my grandfather sacrificed his life.”

Devendra Makkar, 67, left India in December 1996, four years after the demolition of the historic Babri Mosque in 1992, when a mob of Hindu nationalists razed the shrine to the ground with bare hands and primitive tools. A temple built over the mosque’s ruins was inaugurated by Modi this January.

“Nothing was the same in India after that criminal demolition. I had made up my mind that I would not stay in India,” Makkar recalls. Twenty-eight years later, Makkar, sitting at his home in Edison, New Jersey, sipping tea, believes he was right in his decision. “No one would want to grow old in a country where its leaders are making people hate each other and, in the process, murdering the constitution and democracy. Another five years of Modi’s rule will break India’s soul.”

However, many in the Indian diaspora do not share that view.

‘Modi has a vision’

Modi enjoys widespread popularity within a segment of the Indian-American diaspora. During the 2014 election campaign, his backers launched initiatives like “NaMo for PM” (Narendra Modi for Prime Minister) and “ Global Indians For Bharat Vikas ” to organise phone banks to persuade voters, while others travelled to India to participate in grassroots campaigning.

A decade later, his diasporic supporters remain loyal, motivated and more upbeat than ever. On April 28, about 300 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from the US, UK, Canada, Europe and Africa gathered at the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. They arrived in more than 100 cars adorned with their country flags, BJP election symbol stickers and pictures of Modi.

These cars then embarked on a 270km (168 mile) rally from Ahmedabad to Surat city, demonstrating their support for another term for Modi and his party. Among them was Jagdish Sewhani, a founding member of OFBJP from New York and a lifelong BJP supporter.

In the third week of April, he took a break from work, packed his bags and flew to India to campaign for the BJP. “People told me that coming all the way from the US to campaign for BJP shows how much passion we have for India. It was an amazing experience. Modi is going to win big time,” says Sewhani.

“What he has done in the last 10 years has changed the face of India. Infrastructure, electricity, water, gas, houses for the poor, and free health insurance exist. Modi has a vision. He has taken India to the next level.”

Srujal Parikh, an IT administrator at the New York City Police Department who first met Modi in 2014, agrees with Sehwani and believes a third term for Modi would be good for India.

“The Indian diaspora has love, affection, and admiration for Modi. They want to see the country grow, be safe and in good hands, and that’s why they are involved in ensuring his victory. He has done a marvellous job,” Parikh tells Al Jazeera.

“India only needs a leader like him,” he adds after a pause.

Al Jazeera contacted Vijay Chauthaiwale, the head of the BJP’s Department of Foreign Affairs, to seek more details on the extent of diaspora supporters’ involvement in the ongoing elections, but he declined to comment.

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PM to visit Hyderabad and Chennai on 26 May

PM to dedicate to the nation and lay foundation stone of 11 projects worth over Rs 31,500 crore in Tamil Nadu

Projects will boost infrastructure development, enhance connectivity and give an impetus to ease of living in the region

PM to participate in celebration of completion of 20 years of ISB Hyderabad and address graduation ceremony of PGP Class of 2022

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Hyderabad and Chennai on 26 May 2022. At around 2 PM, Prime Minister will participate in the celebration of completion of 20 years of ISB Hyderabad and address the graduation ceremony of Post Graduate Programme (PGP) Class of 2022. At around 5:45 PM, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of 11 projects worth over Rs 31,500 crore at JLN Indoor Stadium in Chennai.

PM in Chennai

In a step towards boosting infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity and giving an impetus to ease of living in the region, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of 11 projects worth over Rs 31,500 crore in Chennai. These projects will also help significantly improve socio-economic prosperity in the region, have a transformative impact on several sectors and also help create employment opportunities.

In Chennai, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation five projects worth over Rs 2960 crore. The 75 km long Madurai-Teni (Railway Gauge Conversion Project), built at a project cost of over Rs. 500 crore, will facilitate access and give a boost to tourism in the region. The 30 km long third railway line between Tambaram – Chengalpattu, built at a project cost of over Rs. 590 crore, will facilitate running of more Suburban services, thus offering greater options and enhancing comfort for the travellers.

The 115 km long Ennore-Chengalpattu section and 271 km long Thiruvallur-Bengaluru section of ETBPNMT natural gas pipeline, built at a project cost of around Rs. 850 crore and Rs 910 crore respectively, will facilitate supply of natural gas to consumers as well industries in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The programme will also witness inauguration of 1152 houses constructed as part of Light House Project – Chennai, built at a cost of Rs 116 crore under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban.

Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of six projects, being built at a cost of over Rs. 28,540 crore.

The 262 Km long Bengaluru – Chennai Expressway will be built at a cost of over Rs. 14,870 crore. It will pass-through states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and help reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai by 2-3 hours. The 4 Lane double decker elevated road connecting Chennai Port to Maduravoyal (NH-4), of about 21 Km in length, will be built at a cost of over Rs 5850 crore. It will facilitate round the clock approach of goods vehicles to Chennai port. The 94 km long 4 lane Neraluru to Dharmapuri section of NH-844 and 31 km long 2 lane with paved shoulders of Meensurutti to Chidambaram section of NH-227, being built at a cost of around Rs 3870 crore and Rs 720 respectively, will help provide seamless connectivity in the region.

The foundation stones for redevelopment of five Railway stations: Chennai Egmore, Rameswaram, Madurai, Katpadi and Kanniyakumari, will also be laid during the programme. This project will be completed at a cost of over Rs. 1800 crore, and is being undertaken with a view to enhance convenience and comfort of the passengers through provision of modern amenities.

Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of a Multi Modal Logistic Park at Chennai worth around Rs. 1430 crore. It will provide seamless intermodal freight movement and also offer multiple functionalities.

PM in Hyderabad

Prime Minister will participate in the celebration of completion of 20 years of Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad and address the graduation ceremony of Post Graduate Programme (PGP) Class of 2022. ISB was inaugurated on 2 December 2001, by Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Regarded as one of the top B-schools in the country, ISB also collaborates with several Ministries and Departments of the Government to provide training and capacity building.

Popular News

Mounties warn son of man acquitted in Air India bombing that his life may be in danger

Warning comes as investigators probe possible indian government links to ripudaman singh malik's 2022 killing.

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The son of a man who was accused in the Air India bombing of 1985 has been officially warned by the RCMP that his life could be under threat, CBC News has learned.

Hardeep Malik, a businessman in Surrey, B.C., is the son of Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was acquitted in 2005 of mass murder and conspiracy charges related to a pair of bombings in 1985 that killed 331 people.

Singh Malik was gunned down outside his office in Surrey on July 14, 2022. Two men have since been charged in his murder.

CBC News has learned RCMP investigators have been probing whether the government of India was behind the killing of the wealthy and controversial businessman. They believe India's government was involved in last year's targeted killing of prominent Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

An Indian man in a blue turban and blue shirt on security footage

Singh Malik's widow and several other family members were travelling in France last week when the RCMP delivered a letter to Hardeep Malik warning him that his life could be in danger from a criminal conspiracy.

The RCMP issues "Duty to Warn" letters under a B.C. law that directs authorities to notify people when they become aware of a threat to their safety. The legislation that governs such notifications says the danger "must be a risk that is likely to happen."

Several people associated with the Sikh separatist movement in British Columbia have received such notices. Nijjar got one before he was killed in June 2023.

The reported threat against Hardeep Malik could support the theory that the Indian government's alleged campaign of assassination in Canada did not begin with Nijjar's killing on June 18, 2023.

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CBC News has seen evidence that suggests an Indian diplomat was in close contact with Ripudaman Singh Malik by phone and text in the hours leading up to his shooting — as reported in March in the Fifth Estate documentary Contract to Kill .

Investigators have been looking into whether the contacts with the diplomat had anything to do with Singh Malik's death at the hands of two alleged B.C. gangsters.

CBC News has spoken with senior investigative and government sources, as well as members of the Sikh community. The investigative and government sources spoke with CBC News on the condition that they not be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. CBC News has also agreed to protect the identity of some sources in the Sikh community due to concerns for their personal security.

Singh Malik died in a hail of gunfire in the Newton area of Surrey. Some suspected he was the target of internecine feuds between current and former Sikh separatists, or the victim of a business dispute, because he had already made peace with the government of India a few years earlier.

Indian government sources quoted in Indian media pushed that narrative. India issued Singh Malik a visa and allowed him to return home and visit family in Punjab in 2019.

Trial marred by investigative failures

Few would see Singh Malik as an innocent bystander in the violent dispute between Khalistani militants and the government of India.

Although he was found not guilty in a trial marked by investigative failures, many in India and Canada continued to believe that the preponderance of evidence pointed toward Singh Malik's involvement in the bombing of an Air India passenger jet that killed 329 people, including 268 Canadians — the worst act of mass murder in Canadian history.

The Air India bombing — for which only one person was ever convicted — was the culmination of years of violence involving Sikh militants that began in the late 1970s and escalated when the Indian Army stormed Sikhism's holiest shrine, the Golden Temple.

Jagit Grewal, left, shows her two-year-old grandson Devin Grewal the names of her husband, Daljit Singh Grewal, and his grandfather on a monument during a memorial marking the 25th anniversary of the Air India bombing in Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday June 23, 2010. Air India Flight 182 exploded in the sky off the Irish coast on June 23, 1985, killing all 329 people aboard, 278 of them Canadians.

That event led to the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 at the hands of two Sikh bodyguards, and the subsequent massacre of thousands of Sikhs in a state-sanctioned pogrom that would drive many Sikhs to seek refuge in Canada.

Singh Malik's apparent abandonment of the Khalistani cause angered some more radical elements of the Sikh separatist movement. Indian media have suggested that his murder was the result of internecine feuds within Canada's Sikh community. Some accused Hardeep Singh Nijjar and his allies of the killing. Singh Malik's own family did not publicly blame the government of India, which they believed had reconciled with him.

All is forgiven?

Some years ago, India began to offer former Sikh separatists in Canada a deal: forgiveness for past deeds in return for renunciation of their separatist goals. That renunciation typically took the form of a letter.

One man who took advantage of that process was Jaspal Singh Atwal. In 1986, Atwal shot Malkiat Singh Sidhu, who was visiting British Columbia for his nephew's wedding. Sidhu was a cabinet minister in the Sikh-majority state of Punjab, where separatists hope to locate a future independent Sikh state. Sidhu survived the shooting and Atwal was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Atwal became a source of embarrassment for the Trudeau government when he was invited to a dinner during the prime minister's first visit to India in 2018, and posed for a photograph with Sophie Gregoire Trudeau. In fact, Atwal was in India with the knowledge and permission of the Indian government.

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau with Jaspal Atwal at an Indian film industry event in Mumbai in February during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's official visit to India.

Atwal had gone through a process with the Indian Consulate in Vancouver through which he renounced his former ideology and membership in the International Sikh Youth Federation — a group banned in both India and Canada — in return for forgiveness and removal of his name from India's travel blacklist .

The same process would be made available to Ripudaman Singh Malik, and the Indian consular official who would guide him through it was a fellow Sikh with a long career in India's diplomatic service.

A trip to the homeland

In 2019, a year after Trudeau visited Punjab, Singh Malik made a trip to his home village in the Ferozepur district.

His brother Harjit shed some light on how that trip came about in a 2019 interview with local online channel Charidkala Time TV. In it, he credited Indian intelligence chief Samant Kumar Goel, who ran the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's foreign intelligence agency.

"Mr. Goel, the RAW chief, showed the guts to make this happen," said Harjit Singh Malik. "I even met him in Delhi and enjoyed myself while meeting him."

Goel took over as head of RAW in 2019, at a time when India was rethinking its policy of blacklisting Sikh emigres. The Central Adverse List , as India's Ministry of Home Affairs called the ban list, subsequently shrank from hundreds of names to just a handful.

An man in a black suit and wearing a black turban

The Washington Post recently named Goel as someone U.S. intelligence agencies focused on in their investigation of the Indian government's alleged plot to kill Nijjar associate and U.S.-Canadian citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

"U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that the operation targeting Pannun was approved by … Samant Goel," the paper reported. Goel did not respond to the Post's inquiries.

Tensions in Canada's Sikh community

CBC News has not seen or confirmed the U.S. intelligence. Goel has not been charged by either U.S. or Canadian authorities and is understood to have left RAW. He was instrumental in the public rehabilitation of Ripudaman Singh Malik in India.

In 2022, Singh Malik thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally in a letter that infuriated some in Khalistani circles.

"I am writing you this to express my deep heartfelt gratitude for the unprecedented positive steps taken by yourself to redress long-pending Sikh demands and grievances," he wrote, "including the elimination of blacklists that restricted visits to India of thousands of Sikhs living abroad."

One of Singh Malik's harshest critics was Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

A woman is consoled as people mourn Sikh community leader and temple president Hardeep Singh Nijjar during Antim Darshan, the first part of day-long funeral services for him, in Surrey, British Columbia on Sunday, June 25, 2023.

Nijjar was part of a younger generation of Khalistanis who had no intention of reconciling with India. Some members of this cohort regarded Singh Malik as a traitor to the community, according to community members who spoke to CBC News.

Tensions with Singh Malik were further exacerbated by a dispute about a potential visit to British Columbia by the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the highest religious authority of Sikhism. The Jathedar was due to visit Canada in late June 2022, three weeks before Singh Malik's death, but called off his visit following disputes over Singh Malik's role in printing the holy book Sri Guru Granth Sahib without authorization.

LISTEN | CBC has launched a new podcast series that examines how Narendra Modi has transformed India over his decade in power. Listen and subscribe to Modi's India: Understood .

For all of those reasons, many inside and outside the community were ready to believe that Sikh hardliners could be behind Singh Malik's death on July 14.

In fact, Canadian investigators now believe it's likely that both Nijjar and Singh Malik were targeted by the government of India, according to the sources who spoke with CBC News.

Consular connections

Singh Malik's contacts with the government of India were mostly through the Indian consulate in Vancouver, where he was in touch with a diplomat called Amar Jit Singh, who once served as India's consul-general in Herat, Afghanistan, along with stints in Iran, the UAE, Japan and the U.K.

Amar Jit Singh, who has since returned to India and retired, led the effort to convince Khalistanis to renounce their past allegiances in return for removal from Indian blacklists. WhatsApp chat logs and call logs show that he was in close touch with Singh Malik throughout Wednesday, July 13 and the early hours of Thursday, July 14, 2022.

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Malik was shot dead as he arrived at his office later that Thursday morning. Police have charged two local men, Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez, with first-degree murder.

Investigators say both men are known in B.C. gang circles. Their trial is set for October.

Neither Fox nor Lopez have personal connections to India and no theory has been advanced about their possible motive for killing the elderly Indian businessman.

Calls and chats hours before death

Call logs show that Singh Malik received three WhatsApp calls from an Indian cellphone under the name "Amarjeet Singh, Consulate" on the evening of July 13, the day before he was killed.

According to a source who spoke to CBC News on condition they not be named, the diplomat who helped Singh Malik through the process of getting an Indian visa was Amar Jit Singh. A WhatsApp message to Singh Malik from "Amarjeet Singh" shows a photograph of a Canadian passport in a man's hand, held open to show a multiple-entry visa to India in Singh Malik's name.

Singh Malik responded to the photo with the word "thanks" and a folded hands emoji.

(Names spelled in Hindi or Punjabi/Gurmukhi alphabets are sometimes transliterated in slightly different ways into the Latin alphabet.)

Later on the evening of July 13, 2022, that same Indian number sent Singh Malik a WhatsApp message with a B.C. phone number and a name. At 4:53 am on July 14, Singh Malik responded with thanks, and 22 minutes later the same Indian number responded, "I have told him."

RCMP and Surrey Police officers work the scene of a shooting in Surrey, B.C., on Thursday, July 14, 2022. Ripudaman Singh Malik, the man acquitted in the 1985 Air India terrorist bombing, appears to have been killed in a shooting in Surrey, B.C., according to several media outlets.

Singh Malik was shot to death outside his office about four and a half hours later.

His day planner contained an annotation that might offer a clue about what he was expecting on the morning he was killed.

Singh Malik had circled the hours 1000 and 1030 and written "lunch" with "Amar Jit" beside it.

Amar Jit Singh has not been accused of any crime by Canadian authorities.

CBC News reached the diplomat by phone in India last year, but he hung up when asked about the killing. Several more attempts to reach Amar Jit Singh more recently went unanswered.

The Indian High Commission did not respond to CBC News' request for comment on the WhatsApp exchanges between Amar Jit Singh and Ripudaman Singh Malik, India's official view of Singh Malik and why he was removed from the country's travel blacklist.

Sikh activists want Ottawa to do more to ensure their safety

Within weeks of the killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik, the RCMP warned five other Sikh-Canadian men that their lives were in danger.

Already in summer 2022, the government of Canada suspected that Indian officials in Canada — who had long used their travel blacklist and other pressure tactics to recruit informers and attempt to exert control over the Punjabi diaspora — were running an operation in Canada against Sikh-Canadians they saw as enemies of India.

Although Canadian investigators developed evidence in the Singh Malik case that led them to believe it was likely linked to the Nijjar plot, CBC News has learned that they don't yet feel they have enough evidence to say so conclusively or lay charges.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Senior Reporter

Evan Dyer has been a journalist with CBC for 25 years, after an early career as a freelancer in Argentina. He works in the Parliamentary Bureau and can be reached at [email protected].

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50 years since Pokhran I, does India need to look at reviewing its nuclear doctrine?

Is the world, or specifically south Asia, about to witness another arms race?

For India, May 18 has been a date of destiny.

It was on May 18, 1498, that Vasco da Gama spotted the Kerala coast after a long, turbulent voyage. The Portuguese seafarer and his crew were the first Europeans to land in India, and their arrival ultimately paved the way for British rule.

Exactly 526 years later, at 8:05am on May 18, 1974, tremors shook the Indian Army’s Pokhran testing range in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, which borders Pakistan. It was Buddha Purnima and India had tested a nuclear bomb. It was an underground test, making India the first country to test its first nuclear bomb below the ground. All other nuclear powers had first conducted overground tests before exploding bombs underground.

The Pokhran operation was code-named ‘Smiling Buddha’. That day, India announced its nuclear capability to the world, changing the course of its strategic and military history. After the test, Raja Ramanna, who was director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), told prime minister Indira Gandhi: “The Buddha has smiled”.

“Smiling Buddha marked India’s entry into the exclusive nuclear club,” former Indian Air Force chief R.K.S. Bhadauria told THE WEEK. “Since then, India’s nuclear strategy and capability, premised on the principles of credibility, no-first-use [policy] and minimum credible deterrence, has evolved significantly in a very calibrated manner.”

The 1974 test demonstrated that the Indian establishment had the capability to keep secrets. None of the ‘listening’ systems and surveillance and intelligence networks of the US or the Soviet Union had information on India’s preparations.

It was also a test of safety regulations. Rajagopala Chidambaram, considered to be an architect of India’s nuclear capability, told THE WEEK: “Ramanna, the main guiding force behind Pokhran II, asked if anybody on site got hurt when the explosions took place. Someone replied that only a crow [was hurt]; it was flying near the site when the mound blew up and hit it.”

Ground zero: Prime minister Indira Gandhi examines a piece of rock at the Pokhran test site on December 22, 1974. Near Gandhi are Union minister K.C. Pant (left) and Homi Sethna, then chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission | AP

It was unlike what had happened in Los Alamos, New Mexico, in 1945, when J. Robert Oppenheimer witnessed the destructive potential of a nuclear bomb and whispered a verse from the Bhagavad Gita: “Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.”

With the Pokhran test, the idea of weaponising India’s nuclear knowhow gathered traction. The armed forces were roped in―starting with the Air Force, and then the Army and the Navy.

“Operation Shakti (Pokhran II, 1998) demonstrated India’s advanced nuclear capabilities and its ability to design and detonate thermonuclear weapons, pivotal in establishing India’s stature as a credible nuclear weapons power,” said Bhadauria. “Punitive retaliation capability, should deterrence fail, has grown significantly and adequately over the last 50 years with materially advanced development of a triad comprising land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles and air-delivered weapons. Our doctrine prioritises strategic stability and caution over aggression or coercion, despite the challenges of regional security dynamics.”

Time of triumph: Prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visits the Pokhran II test site in 1998 | PTI

In 2003, less than five years after Pokhran II, the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) was formed to manage the country’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons. Now, it is widely accepted that India has the nuclear bomb in all its versions, including indigenous delivery platforms that will deliver the warhead on target. Details of the nuclear arsenal remain a closely guarded secret, though. In 2016, the SFC was added to the list of organisations that were exempted from the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

“Countries are secretive about their nuclear inventories and capabilities because ambiguity is one of the components of nuclear deterrence. It is a mind game,” Admiral Karambir Singh, former Indian Navy chief, told THE WEEK.

The weaponisation programme has been progressing at a blistering pace. On March 11, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced the successful launch of Mission Divyastra from Dr Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. Mission Divyastra involved the flight-testing of the intercontinental ballistic missile Agni V with the complex ‘multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle’ (MIRV) technology.

Agni V can carry six to 12 nuclear warheads that can zero in on targets that are hundreds of kilometres apart. Before March 11, Indian missiles had only Pakistan within their range. Now, with a range of 5,000 to 8,000km, the nuclear-capable Agni V has Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong within reach.

On April 4, the government said the SFC and the DRDO had successfully flight-tested a new-generation ballistic missile called Agni-Prime. It was one of the very few instances when the work of the usually secretive SFC was being made public.

On April 18, DRDO announced that it had flight-tested a home-made missile off the Odisha coast. Sources told THE WEEK that the missile was an upgraded version of Nirbhay, which has an operational range of about 1,000km and is capable of flying at tree-top heights (less than 50 metres). Weighing around 1,500kg, a single Nirbhay missile can be loaded with a 450kg conventional or a 12-kilotonne nuclear warhead. For perspective, the Hiroshima bomb was of about 15 kilotonnes.

“India’s nuclear strategy, which has traditionally focused on Pakistan, now appears to place increased emphasis on China, and Beijing is now in range of Indian missiles,” said the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) in its July 2022 report.

At the moment, five countries―the US, the UK, Russia, France and China―are generally considered nuclear-weapon states, while India, Pakistan and North Korea have conducted nuclear tests and possess nuclear weapons. Israel, despite being a nuclear-weapon state, has maintained a policy of deliberate ambiguity.

According to the prestigious think-tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the nine nuclear countries together held “about 12,512 nuclear weapons, of which 9,576 were considered to be potentially operationally available”. An estimated 3,844 of these warheads were deployed with operational forces, including around 2,000 that were kept in a state of high operational alert.

“India is estimated to have produced approximately 700kg of weapons-grade plutonium, sufficient for 138 to 213 nuclear warheads,” said the FAS report. “However, not all material has been converted into nuclear warheads. Based on available information… we estimate that India has produced 160 nuclear warheads. It will need more warheads to arm the new missiles that it is currently developing.”

These numbers do not serve much strategic purpose. For instance, the Ohio-class submarines of the US Navy, when all are fully loaded, can carry up to 280 nuclear warheads. But because of stipulations imposed by the Strategic Arms Reductions Treaty (START), the submarines carry much reduced numbers. If the Ohio-class submarines were a country, they would have ranked fifth in the list of countries with the most nuclear weapons!

To make a nuclear weapon, there are two key necessities―availability of fissile material (plutonium and highly enriched uranium) and availability of warheads. Another key ingredient is the delivery platform―the nuclear missile or the aircraft that will carry the nuclear weapon.

“We estimate that India currently operates eight different nuclear-capable systems: two aircraft, four land-based ballistic missiles, and two sea-based ballistic missiles,” said the FAS report. “At least four more systems are in development, most of which are thought to be nearing completion.”

These eight systems make up India’s nuclear triad. The report may be alluding to Mirage-2000 and Rafale fighter aircraft, the short-range Prithvi-II (350km) and Agni-I (700km), the medium-range Agni-II (more than 2,000km) and the intermediate-range Agni-III (3,500km). The sea-based ballistic missiles may be the ship-launched Dhanush (400km) and the submarine-launched K-15 missile (700km).

“Which aircraft would carry nukes is an evolving issue,” a source in the security establishment said. “These are not water-tight compartments. The roles of the delivery systems keep on changing. For example, the Air Force’s deep-penetration Jaguar aircraft is capable of carrying nuclear weapons, but it is in the process of being phased out. And newer aircraft are taking over.”

On November 5, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “India’s pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant, successfully completed its first deterrence patrol!”

The undersea part of the triad is expected to be of primary focus in the near future. Bigger, wider and made-at-home nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines will be armed with the still-in-development K-4 and K-5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), which are believed to have a range of about 3,500km and 5,000km.

“On the nuclear delivery front, adequate effort is being put in,” said Admiral Singh. “We have longer range missiles in the K5 that can be launched from our next set of SSBNs. MIRVs are now the norm and is part of the arsenal.”

The significant aspect about India’s nuclear weapons programme is that the fissile material and the warhead are both homemade. It does not have to depend on a foreign source. Moreover, most nuclear weapon states with a declared ‘no-first-use’ policy―like India―keep their nuclear weapons in a de-mated condition, with components in the hands of different agencies except for higher operational areas.

“But at times of need, they can be mated really fast to cater to the needs of the situation,” said the security establishment.

In 2014, the BJP’s poll manifesto stated two aims―to revise and update India’s nuclear programme and to maintain a credible minimum deterrent. The strongest articulation of revisiting the no-first-use policy came from Manohar Parrikar, who became defence minister when the BJP came to power. On November 10, 2016, Parrikar said, “If a written-down strategy exists, or you take a stand on a nuclear aspect, I think you are actually giving away your strength in nuclear. People say India has no-first-use nuclear concept. Why should I bind myself? I should say that I am a responsible nuclear power, and I will not use it irresponsibly.”

The defence ministry later distanced itself from Parrikar’s position, saying it was the minister’s personal opinion and not the ministry’s stated position. And then, on August 16, 2019, on the occasion of the death anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, defence minister Rajnath Singh tweeted: “Pokhran is the area which witnessed Atal ji’s firm resolve to make India a nuclear power and yet remain firmly committed to the doctrine of ‘no first use’. India has strictly adhered to this doctrine. What happens in future depends on the circumstances.” It was when Vajpayee was the PM that the government decided to adopt the no-first-use policy just after Pokhran II in 1998.

Said Prof Kumar Sanjay Singh of Delhi University, who specialises in Cold War politics: “In the post World War-II era, nuclear weapons are increasingly being viewed as a deterrent against invasion by superior military powers. This explains the nuclear programmes of the countries of the global south.”

According to Lt Gen (retd) Raj Shukla, a strategy specialist, India needs to keep up with the changes in the global nuclear domain. “The US has revisited its nuclear posture in significant ways,” he said. “China has virtually transformed its nuclear profile, implementing concepts like launch-on-warning and precision targeting. It has grown its silos and improved its warhead sophistication.”

Shukla said India needed to completely review its nuclear “concepts and postures”. He said, “We need to look afresh at the nature of our triad and response options. We also need to incorporate other related developments in a futuristic scenario. For example, our nuclear policy should factor in things like how is it going to impact India if Iran goes nuclear.”

Is the world, or specifically south Asia, about to witness another arms race? “The immediate and superficial answer is yes,” said Sanjay Singh. “Witness how Pakistan is attempting to redress the technological asymmetry with Indian military by importing weapon systems from China. But the possibility [of an arms race] is slim, principally because of the delimiting clauses of the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement. Indian diplomacy is averse to transcending them. Hence, it has preferred to leverage itself as a strategic ally of the US-led west to check the Chinese influence.”

Nuclear power

IMAGES

Prime Minister Modi to visit Denmark, Germany, France from May 2-4 in
PM Modi Foreign Visit: PM Modi will visit 3 countries in the first
IAF provide PM Modi foreign visits information CIC order Delhi HC
With 74 Foreign Visits, Modi Is Most Travelled PM
PM Modi France visit: Boosting India-France defence cooperation to be
World and International News

VIDEO

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PM Modi's speech at LeadIT session during COP28 Summit in Dubai
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PM Narendra Modi watches a cultural performance by the members of the Indian Diaspora in Dubai

COMMENTS

List of international prime ministerial trips made by Narendra Modi
Modi's visit to South Korea was part of India's East Asia policy and Modi's attempt to promote his Make in India concept to Korean investors. [33] 12. Bangladesh. Dhaka. 6-7 June. Details. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to Bangladesh from 6 - 7 June 2015 at the invitation of Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Details of Foreign/Domestic Visits
Details of Foreign/Domestic Visits of Prime Minister since 26.05.2014. Foreign Visits: Expenditure: The expenses on foreign visits of PM are met from the budget of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Details of Visits: Foreign visits undertaken by PM since 26.05.2014 along with duration and expenses incurred on chartered flights is given below:-. 1.
PM's Visits
Domestic Visits. PM's visit to Bhutan (Mar 22, 2024 - Mar 23, 2024 ) PM's visit to UAE & Qatar (Feb 13, 2024 - Feb 15, 2024 ) PM's visit to Dubai (Nov 30, 2023 - Dec 01, 2023 ) PM's visit to Indonesia (Sep 06, 2023 - Sep 07, 2023 ) PM's visit to South Africa & Greece (Aug 22, 2023 - Aug 26, 2023 ) PM's visit to France & UAE (Jul 13 ...
Prime Minister Visits
Prime Minister's visit to South Africa and Greece (August 22-25, 2023) August 18, 2023. Prime Minister's visit to France and UAE (July 13-15, 2023) July 12, 2023. Visit of Prime Minister to United States of America and Egypt (June 20-25, 2023) June 20, 2023. Visit of Prime Minister to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia (May 19-24, 2023)
PM Modi's 2022 foreign destinations: UAE, Germany, Denmark, Indonesia
A whole host of countries from West Asia to Europe will be on the list of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign travel in 2022, all of which depends on the COVID-19 situation globally. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, few VVIP visits have happened. PM Modi visited Bangladesh in March this year, his first visit abroad since November 2019. Since the Dhaka visit, PM has been to Washington for the Quad ...
International Visits & Summits
During the visit, Prime Minister attended the National Day programme of Bangladesh on March 26, as the guest of honour. The visit of the Prime Minister to Bangladesh was the first visit to a foreign country since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. PM Modi also prayed at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple and visited Orakandi Thakurbari. Visit Page
PM Narendra Modi's first foreign visit in 2022: Germany, Denmark and
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on an official visit to three European countries - Germany, Denmark and France - from May 2-4, the External Affairs Ministry (MEA) said on Wednesday. In a statement, the MEA said this will be the Prime Minister`s first visit abroad in 2022.
Narendra Modi Europe visit Highlights: Whatever India is achieving
On Sunday, newly appointed Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that Pm Modi will "exchange perspectives" on the "Ukraine issue" and strengthen bilateral partnerships during his three-day, three-nation visit to Europe. PM Modi's foreign visit includes about two dozen engagements across approximately 65 hours, official sources said.
In his first overseas visit of 2022, PM Narendra Modi to travel to
During his visit, the first in 2022, PM Modi will hold talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and meet French President Emmanuel Macron. "PM Modi will pay an official visit to Germany, Denmark, and France from May 2-4. This will be the Prime Minister's first visit abroad in 2022," the Ministry of External Affairs said. PM's Germany visit is ...
PM Modi Europe visit
PM Modi Europe visit LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Germany as part of the first leg of his three-nation Europe trip and held talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Both leaders will co-chair the India-Germany inter-governmental consultations as the two nations seek to further deepen their ties. PM Modi is also scheduled to interact with the Indian diaspora in Germany. From ...
List of international trips made by prime ministers of India
1 Narendra Modi (2014-present) 2 Manmohan Singh (2004-2014) 3 Atal Bihari Vajpayee ... The following is a list of international prime ministerial trips made by prime ministers of India in reverse chronological order. Narendra Modi (2014-present ... Charan Singh did not make any state visits as Prime Minister. Morarji Desai (1977-1979) ...
Narendra Modi embarks on first foreign visit of 2022 ...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on his Europe trip of Germany, Denmark and France at a time when the region faces many challenges in light of Russia's war in Ukraine. The prime minister during his three-day visit will meet with German chancellor Olaf Scholz, following which he will travel to Copenhagen on 3-4 May at the invitation of his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen to hold ...
Visit of PM to Lumbini, Nepal (May 16, 2022)
16 May, 2022. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Lumbini, Nepal on May 16, 2022, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Nepal Rt Hon'ble Sher Bahadur Deuba. As Prime Minister, this was Shri Narendra Modi's fifth visit to Nepal and first to Lumbini.
PM Modi's first foreign tour in 2022 likely to be in UAE
Geeta Mohan. New Delhi, UPDATED: Nov 30, 2021 08:42 IST. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to the United Arab Emirates at the beginning of 2022 to attend the Dubai Expo 2020, where the Indian pavilion has been a grand success. This could be his first visit abroad in the new year. Titled "A sustainable future for the planet ...
What's behind Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US visit?
21 Jun 2023. The administration of United States President Joe Biden is scheduled to host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an official visit later this week, as the two countries ...
PM Modi expected to make first foreign visit in 2022 to UAE
Nov 29, 2021 11:10 PM IST. The dates for the visit are yet to be finalised and a lot will depend on the evolving Covid-19 situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to make his foreign ...
PM's first foreign visit in 2022: This is where Modi might travel to in
Early January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This according to sources will be his first visit in 2022.
Press Information Bureau
H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, paid a State Visit to India from 05-08 September 2022 at the invitation of Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi. During the visit, H.E. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu and the Vice President of ...
List of countries visited by Narendra Modi for the first time ever as
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a deep impact on the world stage. Wednesday, May 22, 2024. ... In the last nine years, PM Modi has undertaken over 100 foreign visits, covering 60-plus ...
Foreign trips of Modi and Manmohan: Who travelled the most?
Narendra Modi has made 72 international visits since becoming Prime Minister in 2014, compared with Manmohan Singh's 74 visits in 10 years. ... 2021 and a part of 2022, too, need to be taken into ...
Modi State Visit: Modi Promotes India to Congress After Meeting With
Indian television heaps praise on Modi during his trip. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States came Doug Mills/The New York Times. "Super King of Diplomacy," read the ...
Indian diaspora divided as Modi's office lobbies US fans to influence
The extent of its work and connections with Modi and his party became public only after the company was registered as a foreign agent by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) under the Foreign Agents ...
PM to visit Hyderabad and Chennai on 26 May
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Hyderabad and Chennai on 26 May 2022. At around 2 PM, Prime Minister will participate in the celebration of completion of 20 years of ISB Hyderabad and address the graduation ceremony of Post Graduate Programme (PGP) Class of 2022. At around 5:45 PM, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay ...
2024 in India
Events January. 1 January:- ISRO successfully launches its inaugural X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite XPoSat to study black holes and galaxies.The XPoSat aims to explore the polarization of intense X-ray sources in space.; 2023-2024 Indian truckers' protests; 2 January - Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Lakshadweep for a two day visit. 3 January:
Mounties warn son of man acquitted in Air India bombing that his life
Hardeep Malik, a businessman in Surrey, B.C., is the son of Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was acquitted in 2005 of mass murder and conspiracy charges related to a pair of bombings in 1985 that killed ...
50 years since Pokhran I, does India need to look at reviewing its
The Pokhran operation was code-named 'Smiling Buddha'. That day, India announced its nuclear capability to the world, changing the course of its strategic and military history. After the test, Raja Ramanna, who was director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), told prime minister Indira Gandhi: "The Buddha has smiled".