Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for a three-nation tour, with the focus being the G20 Summit in Brazil. The visit holds importance as India, which hosted the summit last year, is part of the G20 troika along with Brazil and South Africa. PM Modi will also visit Nigeria and Guyana as part of his five-day tour and engage in a series of high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings.
It will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years and to Guyana in over five decades. In the first leg of his visit, PM Modi will spend two days (Nov 16-17) in Nigeria.
PM Modi stated, "At the invitation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi."
The Prime Minister will next travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the G20 Summit on November 18-19, which will be hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
PM Modi said, "In Brazil, I will attend the 19th G-20 Summit as a troika member. Last year, India's successful presidency elevated the G-20 to people's G-20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South into its Agenda. This year, Brazil has built upon India's legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'."
PM Modi's visit to Guyana will cap off his five-day tour. It will be the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country since 1968. During his stay, PM Modi will engage in bilateral talks, interact with the diaspora and address the Guyanese Parliament.
PM Modi said, "We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture and values. I will also pay my respects to one of the oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago, and engage a fellow democracy, as I address their Parliament."
During his visit, PM Modi will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. He said, "We have stood together through thick and thin. The summit will enable us to renew historical ties and expand our cooperation into new domains."
Source: India Today