PM Modi to visit US, Mexico, Afghanistan as part of 5-nation tour: 6 things on his agenda

PM Modi will embark on a five-nation visit from June 4, which will cover Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico. Here are the top 6 things on his agenda.
PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Herat on Saturday to inaugurate the Salma Dam. (PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-nation visit from June 4, which will cover Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico. Here are the top 6 things on his agenda:

1) Inauguration of Salma Dam: PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Herat on Saturday to inaugurate the Salma Dam. At over $275 million, this is the most expensive of India’s infrastructure projects in the region and is expected to generate 42 MW of electricity for the rapidly growing city of 435,000 and irrigate some 75,000 hectares.

2) Extensive talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani:During the two-day visit to energy-rich Qatar, Modi will hold talks on a range of bilateral issues including ways to further boost economic ties, particularly in the hydrocarbon sector.

3) Talks with Switzerland’s President Johann Schneider-Ammann: In Switzerland, the Prime Minister will hold talks with the Swiss leadership, and is likely to seek cooperation to unearth black money accounts of Indians in Switzerland which was a promise made by him during elections in 2014. According to sources, the two countries are working on finalising an arrangement that could pave the way for automatic exchange of information on tax-related issues.

4) Meeting with Barack Obama: PM Modi will travel to the US on June 7 at the invitation of the President, with whom he will review the progress made in key areas of defence, security and energy.

5) Addressing Joint Meeting of the US Congress: During his stay, he will also address a Joint Meeting of the US Congress.

6) Eyeing trade and investment tie ups with Mexico: On June 8, at the invitation of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, PM would be visiting Mexico. The main objective of Modi’s visit would be to carry forward the momentum in the bilateral relations and discuss cooperation in areas such as space, energy, agriculture and science and technology among others.

(With inputs from PTI)