After US blitz, PM Narendra Modi on Act East mission

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the importance of global cooperation against black money will be a “key issue” he will highlight at the upcoming G20 summit in Brisbane, as he embarks on a three-nation visit from Tuesday.

Seeking to inject momentum into the country’s ‘Act East’ policy, Mr. Modi will undertake the 10-day visit of Myanmar, Australia and Fiji to attend key multilateral summits and undertake bilateral meetings during which India is expected to push for steps to create more jobs and improve world economy.

“A key issue for me would be to highlight the importance of international cooperation against black money,” Mr. Modi said in a pre-departure statement.

As India attempts to unearth black money stashed abroad, Mr. Modi is expected to renew the country’s commitment to a global response to deal with cross border tax avoidance and evasion.

In another development, reflecting the “warm rapport” they share, Prime Minister Modi will also attend a dinner hosted by his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe for him on November 14 in Brisbane, where they will be attending the G20 summit.

According to sources, Mr. Abe, who had hosted a dinner for Mr. Modi at the Imperial Guest House in Kyoto during his visit to Japan, will organise the evening meal which reflects the “exceptionally warm and friendly” equation both the leaders share.

Meanwhile, in the statement, Mr. Modi said that during the course of the ASEAN-India and East Asian summits in Myanmar and at the G20 summit in Brisbane and bilateral visits to Australia and Fiji, he would meet over 40 leaders from countries representing Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Pacific Region.

At the annual summit of the Group of 20 of the world’s biggest developed and emerging economies, Mr. Modi said he intends to discuss how it can accelerate creation of next generation infrastructure, which also includes digital infrastructure, and ensure access to clean and affordable energy.

The two-day summit will be held from November 15. During his foreign tour, Mr. Modi will also have bilateral engagements for talks with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Canberra after the G20 summit.

"While we have much in common with Australia, our political, strategic and economic relations have been below potential.

A closer strategic partnership with Australia will support India's economic goals; promote our security interests, including maritime security; and, reinforce our efforts to foster a climate of peace and stability in our extended continental and maritime neighbourhood,” he said, referring to his  visit that includes engagements at Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.