After clocking 16 countries between March and July this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set for the next international tour that will include Ireland, Turkey and the United States, where he will attend the Annual General Assembly meeting of the United Nations in New York in September.
There could also be a possible stopover in Frankfurt on his way back from the U.S.
The Prime Minister will also travel to the U.K. in November and dates are being finalised for his visit to Russia for an Inter-Governmental Commission meeting. According to sources, Mr. Modi, who has earlier travelled to Astrakhan as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2006, is keen that the meeting should be held in the Caspian city. The Astrakhan visit could be towards the end of November or early December.
Astrakhan is an important destination as it is part of the North South Transport Corridor, which is being fast-tracked. The North South Corridor will allow India better connectivity to Russia, bringing down freight rates.
In Ireland, where Mr. Modi is scheduled to be on September 23 en route to New York, bilateral issues likely to be on the agenda are related to trade and commerce and aviation. Discussions to find a new a terminal for Air India in Dublin are likely to resume.
“Mr. Modi prefers to combine his visits, as it allows him to pack in more work,” said an official.
During the UNGA visit in September, Mr. Modi is also expected to meet the diaspora in California. Preparations have begun for a reception similar to the one at the Madison Square Garden in 2014.
