Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived in Switzerland early morning on Monday 6th June 2016, delivered a joint statement with Swiss President Johann Schneider- Ammann.
“A late night arrival is followed by an early morning engagement. PM @narendramodi meets Swiss Prez Schneider-Ammann,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
The two leaders thereafter led delegation-level talks. “A closer engagement with the heart of Europe. President and PM lead delegation level talks #IndiaSwitzerland,” Swarup said in another tweet.
Switzerland is a member of the nuclear suppliers group and Modi will be seeking the European country’s support to gain entry into the elite club of 48 nations.
NSG countries work together to monitor and control the export of materials or technology that can be used to create nuclear weapons. India has applied for membership but with China opposing its entry, it has its task cut out as all member countries have to agree on letting in a new member.
India is keen on an automatic exchange of information about individuals who fail to disclose their foreign assets to discourage stashing of ill-gotten wealth abroad.
India & Switzerland are talking on the issue of black money as part of negotiations for the double taxation avoidance agreement mandate.
War on black money was one of the promises that saw the BJP being voted to power and Modi, who has been accused of going soft on the issue, is keen on setting the record straight.
Switzerland is India’s fifth largest trading partner and the 11th biggest investor. Areas where the two countries are looking to deepen ties include renewable energy and vocational education. PM Narendra Modi want more investment from the Alpine country.
In under half a day, PM completes visit and emplanes for Washington D.C.
