PM Modi likely to visit Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand in July

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to undertake a three-nation Indo-Pacific tour covering Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from July 6 to 11, with bilateral talks and interactions with Indian diaspora expected to form the core of the visit, people familiar with the preparations said.

The itinerary is still being finalised, and no formal announcement has been made by the PMO or the ministry of external affairs. The dates, venues and engagements may change.In Indonesia, Modi is likely to hold talks with President Prabowo Subianto. The proposed meeting follows the India-Indonesia Joint Commission meeting in New Delhi on June 7, where the two sides reviewed cooperation in defence, maritime security, trade, connectivity, energy and people-to-people ties. In Australia, discussions with PM Anthony Albanese are likely to focus on comprehensive strategic partnership, defence and security cooperation, critical minerals, education and trade. The New Zealand leg of the tour is expected to include talks with PM Christopher Luxon. The visit would be the first by an Indian PM since Rajiv Gandhi travelled there in 1986. TNN