PM Modi embarks on maiden multilateral engagement after election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked for Kyrgyzstan capital Bishkek to participate at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit to be held on Thursday and Friday.

This is Modi's first multilateral engagement after the recent elections wherein BJP-led NDA combine has been re-elected to power with a massive mandate.

In a brief departure statement, the Prime Minister noted on Wednesday evening that India has actively participated in various SCO dialogue mechanisms since its full membership of SCO two years ago. 

"We have extended full cooperation to the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past year,'' he said.

"The Summit is expected to discuss the global security situation, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and topical issues of international and regional importance. On the sidelines of the Summit, I also plan to meet several leaders bilaterally," Modi said.

"Strengthening India's presence on the global stage. For the 1st multilateral engagement post re-election, PM Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day visit to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State meeting on 13-14 June 2019 in Bishkek," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

On the invitation of Sooronbay Jeenbekov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr Modi will also be on an official bilateral visit to the Kyrgyz Republic on Friday (June 14) after conclusion of the SCO Summit.

"The SCO Summit will be followed by the bilateral component of the visit to Kyrgyz Republic on 14 June. PM Narendra Modi will have delegation-level talks with President Jeenbekov and jointly inaugurate the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum with Kyrgyz President," MEA spokesman wrote in the micro blogging site.

Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping of China and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. He will attend an informal dinner to be hosted by President Jeenbekov.

According to sources, there will be a bilateral meeting with President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan on Thursday late evening.