Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to undertake a four-nation tour of Germany, the United States, Canada and Belgium in December, with trade and strategic engagements expected to be among the key priorities.
The proposed tour has not yet been formally announced by the Ministry of External Affairs. Preparations are reportedly underway in Berlin, Ottawa and Washington.
Germany Leg of Tour
The tour is likely to begin in Berlin, where Modi could participate in the India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), according to sources cited by NDTV.
India and Germany have a longstanding strategic partnership and hold regular high-level consultations covering areas including defence, green and sustainable development, critical minerals, skilled mobility and education.
Modi-Trump Meeting Possible at G20 Summit
From Germany, Modi could travel to the United States to attend the G20 Summit scheduled for December 14 and 15 at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida.
A meeting between Modi and US President Donald Trump could take place on the sidelines of the summit, according to the report.
The two leaders last met on June 17 on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, where they reviewed India-US cooperation in areas including trade, defence, energy and technology.
The proposed visit comes against the backdrop of ongoing India-US trade negotiations. According to NDTV, sources said uncertainty remains over the conclusion of an interim trade agreement amid tariff-related issues.
The report also said efforts were underway to organise a Quad leaders’ summit on the sidelines of the G20 meeting, although there was no official confirmation at the time of publication.
Canada Visit Linked to CEPA Talks
The next leg could take Modi to Canada, where discussions are expected to focus on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said India had, to his understanding, confirmed that Modi would visit Canada around that period, although the exact date had not been finalised.
Carney has also said the two countries were seeking to make progress on CEPA negotiations by the G20 Summit.
Belgium Could Be Final Stop
Modi is also likely to visit Belgium, where he could hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Bart De Wever, according to the report.
The visit could coincide with developments concerning the proposed India-EU trade agreement, which is awaiting the next stages of political ratification and implementation, NDTV reported.
MEA Yet to Confirm Tour
While preparations are reportedly underway for the proposed engagements, the Ministry of External Affairs has not formally announced Modi’s December itinerary.
The final schedule, dates and meetings could therefore be subject to change.
