PM Tour by Europe and North America
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has earned acclamation for his efforts to raise India’s profile globally, which have led him to make several foreign trips. Before becoming PM, he visited, more than once, China and Japan, and after last May, he has travelled to America, Australia, Brazil, and most of India’s immediate neighbors.
Aiming also at strengthening bilateral relations and attracting investors, he has just concluded a tour of Europe and North America, namely France, Germany, and Canada, as the final stop.
The first official visit, on the 10th and 11th of April 2015, was to France at the invitation of the President of the French Republic Mr. François Hollande. In the meetings, both leaders held fruitful discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues that reflected their merging views. At the same time, they reaffirmed their commitment to the strategic partnership and agreed to further deepen and strengthen bilateral ties based on shared principles and values. As part of the exchange, France reiterated its support for India’s candidature for a permanent membership of the UN Security Council, as well. The main topics tackled were climate change; the sectors of defense, space, society, nuclear energy and security; expansion of trade and investment ties; cooperation in science and technology; and rising exchanges in cultural, educational and tourism sectors.
PM addressed Unesco. His speech covered the role of the UN and Unesco, as part of it, in bringing the world together and in meeting today’s challenges. Among other issues, he also mentioned the challenge climate change poses, the importance of the celebration of the International Yoga Day, and the significance of the 70th anniversary of Unesco.
Next stop was Germany, where he met Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss trade and set out plans for boosting Indian manufacturers. He considered his visit to the Hannover Messe as “memorable”, at the time he expressed he was delighted at the enthusiasm the “Make in India” initiative had received in Germany.
On the 14th PM Modi met German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin, having met, earlier in the day, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Allianz SE, Oliver Baete. Before leaving for Canada, the Indian leader attended a session in a science and technology academy and witnessed the railway modernization at German railway station.
Canada was the final stop. Upon arrival PM Modi was warmly received by Canada’s PM Stephen Harper, who accompanied him all over the country. Also substantial has been the excitement that is in the air, for it is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 42 years.
Among the various actions, the key ones were securing a deal for import of uranium, inviting investments and improving visa facilities for Indo-Canadians. Therefore, PM Modi held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on a wide range of issues, including nuclear energy, trade and investment. Interaction with Canadian business leaders, who are enthused about the economic developments and unfolding business and investment opportunities in India, was also a major event.
At the same time, besides meeting with the political leadership, PM addressed the Indian diaspora and friends of India in a "Madison Square-like" event at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. The visit ended with a state dinner with Harper in Vancouver and a visit to Sikh and Hindu temples in Vancouver and Surrey.
This is one of the many tours PM Modi has carried out with the purpose of elevating India’s global profile and strengthening its bilateral relations with key partners, and which has turned out to have met the objectives.
