PM Modi to visit Lumbini in Nepal on Buddha Purnima

PM Narendra Modi is expected to visit Lumbini--the birthplace of Buddha--on May 16 during a short official trip to Nepal, a move seen reinforcing Buddhism links and promoting India's soft power in the Himalayan nation. May 16 coincides with Buddha Purnima.

Modi along with Nepalese PM Sher Bahadur Deuba will lay a foundation stone for a Buddhist Vihara, being built with Indian assistance, in Lumbini. He is expected to travel from Kushinagar international airport to Lumbini.