Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Afghanistan as part of his five-nation tour through which he hopes to make several strategic geo-political moves on subjects such as trade, security and energy. Modi inaugurated the Salma dam – dubbed Afghan-India friendship dam. Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani was also present at the event, which is supposed to mark bilateral ties between the two nations. Modi was also awarded the Amanullah Khan Award, Afghanistan's highest civilian honour. He last visited Afghanistan in December, 2015.
Modi will also visit Qatar, Switzerland, Mexico and the United States over the next few days.
In Switzerland, Modi is expected to speak to leaders about Indian black money in Swiss banks, an issue the National Democratic Alliance government has been vocal about. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the question of India’s membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group will also come up in Switzerland, given the European country is an important member. India is keenly seeking entry to the NSG and had applied for membership in May 12. Membership to the NSG is also expected to be on the prime minister’s agenda in Mexico.
Modi will reach the US on Monday, where he will meet President Barack Obama and address a session of the US Congress, among a host of other high-profile events. Energy will be a key issue for Modi in Qatar, which supplies more than half of India’s Liquified Natural Gas.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!