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India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, is embarking on a strategic diplomatic tour from September 8 to 13, 2024, aiming to solidify India's international presence and foster robust bilateral relations. The tour will encompass visits to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Berlin, Germany, and Geneva, Switzerland.
The tour's inaugural leg will take Jaishankar to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 8 to 9, 2024, where he will participate in the inaugural India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. This significant event serves as a platform for reviewing and strengthening institutional collaboration between India and the GCC. The GCC region, a crucial trading partner for India and home to approximately 8.9 million Indian expatriates, presents a critical opportunity for Jaishankar to engage in bilateral discussions with Foreign Ministers from GCC member countries. These discussions are poised to encompass a diverse range of sectors, including political, trade, investment, energy, and cultural relations, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the India-GCC partnership.
Following his engagement in Riyadh, Jaishankar will travel to Berlin, Germany, for a two-day visit from September 10 to 11, 2024. Germany holds the distinction of being one of India's prominent trading partners and a major source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). During his time in Berlin, Jaishankar will meet with German Federal Foreign Minister and other key figures in the German government. These meetings are expected to focus on reviewing and discussing the comprehensive bilateral relationship between India and Germany, exploring potential avenues for further collaboration and strengthening the economic and political ties that bind the two nations.
The final leg of Jaishankar's tour will take him to Geneva, Switzerland, from September 12 to 13, 2024. Geneva, renowned as the headquarters of numerous UN bodies and international organizations, provides a strategic platform for Jaishankar to meet with heads and representatives of these entities. He will also hold discussions with the Swiss Foreign Minister, aiming to assess and enhance the close partnership between India and Switzerland. The discussions are expected to focus on exploring new avenues to further advance the bilateral relationship, potentially strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Dr. Jaishankar's diplomatic tour exemplifies India's commitment to strengthening its international ties and fostering robust relationships with key global partners. The tour's focus on strategic economic and political cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Switzerland signifies India's proactive approach to engaging with the world and advancing its interests on the global stage.