Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister on 26th May, 2014 after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recorded a landslide win in the Lok Sabha elections. During the first 100 days of his Government, Modi has already made official visits to Bhutan, Nepal, Japan and Brazil for the BRICS summit. Modi is now all set to visit the United States of America and will be meeting US President Barack Obama on 29th-30th September to boost trade ties. Here are the key takeaways from Modi’s foreign tours till now:
Japan (30th August to 3rd September)
Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on a 5-day bilateral trip to strengthen ties. Japan has promised to invest $35 billion in India for development projects over the next five years. Five pacts have been signed for defence, energy, infrastructure, healthcare and women's development. Varanasi would be developed into a 'Smart City' with the help of Japan. The first high speed bullet train to run between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, estimated to cost Rs 60,000-70,000 crore, will be developed with the financial, technical and operational support of Japan. And Modi has promised to introduce special mechanisms like fast-track channel to lure Japanese investments in India.
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Nepal (3rd-4th August)
Modi's bilateral visit to Nepal was termed 'historic' as the visit was made after a long span of 17 years, the last being made by I K Gujral in 1997. During the 2-day visit, Modi announced $1 billion support to Nepal for infrastructure development and energy projects. India is expected to provide assistance for the construction of a motorable bridge over the Mahakali River. India and Nepal have agreed to conclude power trading Agreement in 45 days. India will offer assistance for the development of Janakpur-Lumbini, including Lumbini, as part of the Buddhist circuit.
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Brazil (14th-16th July)
Narendra Modi attended the BRICS summit and told the leaders (Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa) that the summit should be driven by people-to-people contact and youth should lead it. The leaders of BRICS launched the $100 billion development bank and a currency reserve pool to fund infrastructure projects in developing nations. The $100 billion development bank would be an answer to the western-dominated international financial system. The bank will be based in Shanghai, and India will preside over its operations for the first five years followed by Brazil and Russia.
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Bhutan (15th-16th June)
Modi says he chose Bhutan for his first foreign visit because of the unique and special relationship between the two countries. Both Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay discussed free trade agreements and expansion of bilateral trade. Both nations are committed to achieve 10,000 MW target in hydro power. Modi announced doubling of scholarships to Bhutanese students in India.
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USA (26th-30th Sept)
Modi's maiden visit to America is the most talked about event now, especially after he was denied visa on communal charges. Modi will address about 20,000 Indian-Americans in Madison Square Garden, New York. The visit is expected to take the bilateral relationship between both the countries to the next level in terms of defence and strategic ties. Modi is expected to participate in more than 50 engagements over 100 hours of stay in the United States.
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