NSG membership high on agenda as PM Modi starts 5-nation trip

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his five-nation tour from today. He will visit Afghanistan first, then Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico.

The main agenda of his trip would be to broaden bilateral trade, energy and security cooperation and push for India's bid to become a member of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

The trip to Switzerland and Mexico is crucial as Modi is going to seek their support for India's membership to the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Membership to NSG is likely to be discussed with US President Barack Obama in the US on June 7.

According to a PTI report, India will formally apply for NSG membership on May 12.

The PM will inaugurate Afghan-India Friendship Dam, also known as Salma dam in Herat province in Afghanistan. In addition to this PM Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will discuss issues related to Afghanistan’s security situation.            

In his visit to Switzerland, PM Modi is likely to raise the black money trail and money stashed by Indians in Swiss Banks with Swiss President Schneider-Ammann.

In Qatar, Modi is likely to discuss energy, trade and also will interact with Indian migrant workers.            

In the US, where PM Modi will reach on June 6, among other things, he will address a joint session of the US Congress.