Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Portugal, the first-leg of his three-nation tour in the morning today. Prime Minister Modi will also be visiting the US on June 25 and 26, and the Netherlands on June 27.

Modi on Friday said that he intends to strengthen ties with all the three nations. "My USA visit is aimed at deepening ties between our nations. Strong India-USA ties benefit our nations & the world. My visit to Netherlands seeks to boost bilateral ties and deepen economic cooperation," the PM said.

Modi, who will be meeting President Donald Trump for the first time on June 26 in Washington, said he looked forward to the opportunity to have an in-depth exchange of views. In a statement posted on the Facebook, Modi said his two-day visit to Washington was at the invitation of Trump who would host Prime Minister Narendra Modi a working dinner at the White House on Monday.

"The White House is very interested in making this a special visit. We're really seeking to roll out the red carpet. In fact, the two (leaders) will have dinner, a working dinner at the White House. This will be the first dinner for a foreign dignitary at the White House under this administration. So, we think that's very significant," a senior administration official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

India's Ambassador to the United States Navtej Sarna expressed hope that the upcoming three-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States -- his first during the tenure of President Donald Trump -- will help both leaders to exchange views on subjects of interest to both countries, and thus result in a further strengthening of the bilateral relationship.

Very important visit by PM of India, as first meeting face to face with president Trump: Navtej Sarna, Indian Ambassador to the US to ANI - ANI (@ANI_news) June 24, 2017

MODI IN PORTUGAL In the first leg of the tour, Modi will pay a working visit to Portugal where he will have talks with Prime Minister Antonio Costa. "Building on our recent discussions, we will review the progress of various joint initiatives and decisions," he said about his upcoming meeting with Costa. "We will also discuss ways to further enhance the bilateral engagement, especially in the areas of economic cooperation, science & technology, space collaboration and people to people ties," the prime minister added. He said the two leaders will deliberate on means to intensify the bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism and on other international issues of mutual interest. "I also see significant potential for deepening bilateral trade and investment ties," he said. He will be interacting with the Indian Community in Portugal during the visit. PRIME MINISTER MODI IN US Apart from official meetings with Trump and his cabinet colleagues, Modi will be meeting some prominent American CEOs. Like in the past, he will also be interacting with the Indian diaspora.

In a personalised email to his supporters in the US, Modi said that he would be holding talks with Trump on ways to boost the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

"I would be coming to Washington DC for a visit starting 24th June. During my visit I would be holding talks with President Trump on ways to boost India-USA ties," he wrote in the mail which was received by his supporters this afternoon.

"On 25th I would be addressing a community programme in Washington DC, where I look forward to interacting with you," the prime minister wrote in the mail which was sent to invitees of the community reception.

Ahead of his interaction with community leaders, who are coming to Washington DC from across the country, Modi sought ideas and inputs from the Indian Diaspora.

. "Before we meet in Washington DC, I want to hear from you," he wrote. "Share your ideas and inputs with me on the Narendra Modi Mobile App. I would refer to them during my speech at the community programme on 25th," he said NETHERLANDS VISIT After the US visit, Modi will travel to the Netherlands on June 27 where he will have an official meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and call on King Willem- Alexander and meet Queen Maxima. This year, the two countries are celebrating 70 years of the establishment of Indo-Dutch diplomatic relations. "I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Rutte and reviewing our bilateral relations. I would be exchanging views with PM Rutte on important global issues including counter- terrorism and climate change," he said. Economic relations form the core of the bilateral relations and the Netherlands is India's 6th largest trading partner in the EU and 5th largest investment partner globally. "The Dutch expertise in areas such as water and waste management, agriculture and food processing, renewable energy and ports and shipping, matches with our development needs," the prime minister said. "Indo-Dutch economic engagement is a win-win proposition," he said, adding he would be discussing with Rutte as to how the two sides should work to further harness the synergies. He said he will also be meeting with CEOs of major Dutch companies and encourage them to join the Indian growth story. "There are strong people-to-people relations between the two countries with the presence of second largest Indian diaspora in Europe in the Netherlands. I look forward to engaging with the Indian community in the Netherlands," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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