Modi clear about forging good ties with neighbours: Swaraj

Washington, Oct 6: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "very clear" priorities to forge good relations with neighbouring countries as part of his "fast track" diplomacy.

"Even before taking oath, Modi's priorities of good relations with all neighbours were very clear with all the SAARC heads being invited to the swearing-in ceremony," Swaraj said.

"His visits to Bhutan, Nepal, and Japan and now to US all have been judged as great success," she said. Swaraj, who met leaders of 100 countries during the annual session of the UN General Assembly, said this was part of the "fast track" diplomacy of Prime Minister Modi.

During her address to the Indian diaspora at an event organised by the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP)-USA in New Jersey last week, Swaraj said she faced challenges during Iraq crisis wherein Indian nurses were kidnapped by the Islamic State militants, said a media release.

Swaraj, who visited 11 countries in 100 days as part of the "fast-track" diplomacy, said the new government however was able to secure their release in less than 48 hours.

Swaraj promised to the members of the Sikh community present at the event that India will do everything possible to secure the release of Sikhs kidnapped in Iraq.

She narrated eloquently her experiences during her visits to Nepal, Japan, and other countries and explained the enthusiastic support from China and Australia in India's growth and development.

Swaraj is considered one of the prime movers of Modi government's much-praised "fast-track diplomacy". She said the Modi government will take care of the Indian diaspora's needs and redress their complaints and concerns. Vijay Jolly, Global convener of BJP Overseas Affairs, said OFBJP is actively engaged in working on the diaspora-related issues in the US.

During the programme, Swaraj inaugurated a book titled "The Idea of One Religion" with a foreword by Modi. Additionally, Punjabi Commerce Chamber donated USD15,000 towards Prime Minister Relief Fund for J&K disaster relief.

PTI