New Delhi, 06 July (H.S.):
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a six-day official visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand on Monday, aimed at further strengthening India's strategic partnerships, expanding economic cooperation and deepening people-to-people ties with the three Indo-Pacific nations. During the tour, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with the leaders of the three countries, engage with business leaders, interact with members of the Indian diaspora and review cooperation across key sectors, including trade, defence, technology, investment and regional security.
The visit will begin with Indonesia from July 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto. This will be Prime Minister Modi's fourth visit to Indonesia and his first bilateral visit since India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2018.
During his stay in Jakarta, Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo will hold comprehensive discussions to review progress in bilateral relations and explore ways to enhance cooperation in defence, maritime security, trade, investment, digital connectivity, healthcare, education and Indo-Pacific affairs. The two leaders are also expected to discuss regional and global developments of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Modi will address members of the Indian diaspora in Jakarta before travelling to Yogyakarta, where he will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple complex, highlighting the centuries-old cultural and civilisational ties between India and Indonesia.
From Indonesia, the Prime Minister will travel to Melbourne, Australia, from July 8 to 10 at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
In Australia, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Albanese will hold bilateral talks to review the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Their discussions are expected to focus on defence and security cooperation, critical minerals, clean energy, trade, investment, education, technology, maritime collaboration and regional issues.
Prime Minister Modi will also call on Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn during the visit.
A key highlight of the Australian leg will be the Prime Minister's participation in the India-Australia CEOs Forum, where he will address leading business leaders from both countries. The forum is expected to explore new opportunities for investment, innovation, advanced manufacturing and economic collaboration.
The Prime Minister will also interact with members of the Indian community in Australia, recognising the diaspora as a vital pillar of bilateral relations.
The final leg of the tour will take Prime Minister Modi to New Zealand from July 10 to 11 at the invitation of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The visit will mark the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in nearly four decades.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Luxon will review the full spectrum of bilateral ties, with discussions expected to focus on trade, commerce, investment, agriculture, defence cooperation, science and technology, renewable energy and regional security.
The two leaders are also expected to review the implementation of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement signed earlier this year, which aims to strengthen trade in goods and services, encourage investment and improve market access for businesses in both countries.
Prime Minister Modi will also meet leading business and sports personalities in New Zealand before addressing the Indian community, highlighting the strong people-to-people and cultural links shared by the two countries.
The three-nation visit is expected to further reinforce India's engagement with key Indo-Pacific partners, deepen strategic and economic cooperation, promote greater investment and strengthen diplomatic, cultural and commercial relations across the region.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
