Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 15) embarked on a five-day trip to Cyprus, Croatia and Canada, where he will participate in the upcoming G7 Summit.
Ahead of his departure from New Delhi, PM Modi in a statement said his tour will provide him an opportunity to exchange views on counter-terrorism and other pressing issues of the Global South.
Notably, this is PM Modi’s first foreign visit since India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-based terrorists and then the Pakistan military on May 7.
‘Cyprus a close friend’
In his statement, PM Modi described Cyprus as a “close friend and an important partner”.
“On June 15-16, I will visit the Republic of Cyprus at the invitation of President H.E Nikos Christodoulides. Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU. The visit provides an opportunity to build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges,” wrote PM Modi.
From Cyprus, the Indian PM will travel to Kananaskis in Canada to attend the G7 Summit.
“The Summit will provide space for exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South. I also look forward to engaging withleaders from partner countries,” PM Modi said.
Visit to Croatia, the first by an Indian PM
On June 18, the PM will land in Croatia, becoming the first ever Indian leader to set foot in the country.
“Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” PM Modi wrote.
PM Modi added that the tour will be an opportunity for him to thank partners for their support in India’s fight against terrorism.
“This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism,” PM Modi wrote.