Narendra Modi reaches Switzerland; black money, NSG membership on agenda

GENEVA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here today on the third leg of his five-nation tour during which he will hold talks with Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Modi, who visited Afghanistan on Saturday, arrived here after his two-day visit to Qatar during which he held talks with the leadership there on a host of issues.

"Bon Soir Geneve! A late night arrival in the picturesque Swiss city marks beginning of third leg of PM's journey," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

Ahead of his five-nation tour, Modi had described Switzerland as India's key partner in Europe.

"I will hold talks with President Schneider-Ammann to deepen our bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

"In Geneva, I will meet prominent businesspersons. Our agenda will be to expand economic and investment ties. I will meet Indian scientists working at CERN. India takes pride in their contribution to exploring new frontiers of science in the service of humanity," he had said.

The Prime Minister is likely to raise the issue of black money stashed by Indians in Swiss banks.

Modi is also likely to seek Switzerland's support for India's membership of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group as it is a key member of the elite grouping.

From here, Modi will travel to the US and then to Mexico before returning to India.