Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Nay Pyi Taw in Myanmar to attend the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asian Summit. This is the first leg of his three-nation 10-day foreign tour that will also take him to Australia and Fiji. India will seek a global environment that supports its aspirations for economic development and a peaceful world.
In a statement before his departure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India-ASEAN, East Asia and G-20 summits are taking place at a time when the world is facing multiple challenges. He said, during the course of the summits and bilateral meetings he will have an opportunity to meet over 40 leaders from different countries and also heads of many multilateral institutions.
Mr Modi said that ASEAN is at the core of India's Act East Policy and at the center of dream of Asian century characterized by cooperation and integration. The Prime Minister said, he is looking forward to discuss with ASEAN and seven global leaders to strengthen regional institutions, international norms and regional cooperation for peace and stability.
Mr Modi said at G-20 summit, he will discuss how to fasten creation of next generation infrastructure like digital infrastructure and ensure access to clean and affordable energy. He said that he will also highlight importance of cooperation against black money.
On India-Australia bilateral relations, Mr Modi said the two countries have much in common but political, strategic and economic relations have been below potential. He said a closer strategic partnership with Australia will support India's economic goals, promote security interest including maritime security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited thoughts and ideas for his visit to Australia. Mr Modi also shared a webpage for citizens to stay updated on the visit. People can give suggestions to the Prime Minister through the webpage http://international.narendramodi.in/australia_home.
It will also reinforce the efforts aimed at fostering a climate of peace and stability in the extended continental and maritime neighborhood. Tens of thousands of police personnel have been put on security duty at the ASEAN Summit 2014 to be attended by the presidents and prime ministers of ASEAN countries besides US President Barack Obama at the Myanmar International Convention Centre in Nay Pyi Taw.
ASEAN-India summit will be held tomorrow and the ninth East Asian summit will get underway on Thursday. Our correspondent covering the Prime Minister's visit reports that tight security measures have been made in view of the visit of US President and Mr Modi.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told reporters in New Delhi yesterday that Mr Modi will have his first meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on the sidelines of the East Asia summit at Nay Pyi Taw. Mr Akbaruddin said that there will be a structured meeting and delegation-level talks between the Prime Minister and the Chinese Premier in Myanmar.
He said, Mr Modi will also interact with Chinese President Xi Jinping during an informal meet of the leaders of the five-nation BRICS bloc on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Brisbane. The spokesperson also added that Mr Modi will have bilateral meets with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Spanish Premier Mariano Rajoy Brey on the margins of the G20 summit.
