Conspicuous by its absence in Prime Minister’s packed itinerary is Europe, especially given the move by European Union countries to reverse the boycott on Mr. Modi as far back as 2008, long before the American reversal. When asked, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said no visit to Europe had been scheduled.
By agreeing to a blitz of travel engagements, Mr. Modi has certainly signalled his desire to hit the ground running on foreign policy, which he will drive himself.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj too is expected to have her hands full, and will make her debut visit “to a neighbouring country, most likely Bangladesh.”
