The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today had five bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit in Kathmandu. These were with the Prime Minister of Bhutan Mr. Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Ms. Sheikh Hasina, the President of Afghanistan Dr. Ashraf Ghani, the President of Sri Lanka Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa and the President of Maldives Mr. Abdulla Yameen.
A large part of the discussions centred around the statements made and events at the SAARC Summit.
During the bilateral meetings, various heads of Government complimented the Prime Minister for his statement at the SAARC Summit and his forward looking vision. The Prime Minister was also complimented for his initiative of the SAARC satellite. Some countries also shared what they look forward to from such a satellite. The Prime Minister`s emphasis on solar energy was also greeted with enthusiasm during these meetings.
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives reiterated their invitations to the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister emphasized that engagement with SAARC nations is a priority for him. The Prime Minister invited Mr. Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan to visit India in January, and also be part of the Vibrant Gujarat summit.
The Prime Minister also invited the President of Afghanistan Dr. Ashraf Ghani to visit India.
The National Security Advisor will travel to Sri Lanka and Maldives next month. Maritime security shall be on the agenda during these visits.
The Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh had a detailed exchange of views on matters relating to security and terrorism which impact both countries.
At the 18th SAARC Summit held at Kathmandu in Nepal, Shri Narendra Modi had fruitful meetings with SAARC leaders.
Bangladesh:
Had fruitful meetings with SAARC leaders. Here is a picture of my meeting with PM Sheikh Hasina. pic.twitter.com/T5kquJ2EEy
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2014 Bhutan:
PM @tsheringtobgay, it was wonderful meeting you! We are committed to enhancing India-Bhutan cooperation. pic.twitter.com/fmgPbKVlS8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2014
Good meeting with PM @narendramodi He invited me to attend Vibrant Gujarat this January
— Tshering Tobgay (@tsheringtobgay) November 26, 2014
PM @narendramodi also appreciated Bhutan National Reading Year - 2015, and committed to send experts who organized 'Gujarat is Reading'
— Tshering Tobgay (@tsheringtobgay) November 26, 2014 Afghanistan:
With the President of Afghanistan, Dr. @ashrafghani pic.twitter.com/uiXYFU54W8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2014 Sri Lanka:
During our meeting, @PresRajapaksa & I discussed ways to strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations in the years to come. pic.twitter.com/iN5DoXsf5P
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2014
President: The initiative of PM @narendramodi to develop and launch a Satellite dedicated to SAARC is a welcome initiative. #SAARC2014
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) November 26, 2014
PM Modi thanked the President for pardoning and sending back the Indian fishermen. 1/2 #SriLanka #SAARC2014
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) November 26, 2014
The two leaders met this evening on the sidelines of the #SAARC Summit. 2/2 #SriLanka #SAARC2014
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) November 26, 2014
I thank @narendramodi for the foriegn policy his Government has adopted. That is what made the releasing of fishermen possible. -MR
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) November 26, 2014 Maldives:
President Abdulla Yameen & I see a bright future for India-Maldives ties. Scope of cooperation is immense. pic.twitter.com/1tmxntyZqQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2014
