Indian PM to make first UK trip on November 12

Published October 25, 2015
"I will embark on a visit to Britain a day after Diwali," Modi said. — AFP/File
"I will embark on a visit to Britain a day after Diwali," Modi said. — AFP/File

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday he was looking forward to visiting Britain next month, his first trip as premier after London lifted a decade-long boycott against the leader.

"I will embark on a visit to Britain a day after Diwali," Modi said, referring to the major Hindu festival to be celebrated on November 11.

"I am looking forward to my visit," he added, in his monthly radio address.

Modi will be in London from November 12 to 14 before heading to Turkey for a G20 summit, an Indian foreign ministry source confirmed to AFP on condition of anonymity.

During the three-day trip, Modi will meet with Britain's leadership and address the country's large Indian diaspora at Wembley Stadium, as well as inaugurate a memorial of India's low-caste icon Bhimrao Ambedkar at his former London house.

The trip is Modi's first since London ended its decade-long diplomatic boycott of the Hindu nationalist in 2012 over deadly anti-Muslim riots while he was running his home state of Gujarat.

British Prime Minister David Cameron invited the premier to visit Britain shortly after Modi's landslide general election victory in May 2014, in a bid to boost trade and diplomatic ties with India.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

WITH terrorist attacks surging, resulting in high casualties amongst both civilians and security personnel, it is...
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

FORMER first lady Bushra Bibi’s video address to PTI followers has triggered a firestorm. Her assertion implying...
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...