PM Modi Bihar visit LIVE: New Patna airport terminal all set for inauguration
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day trip to four states from Thursday (May 29, 2025) to launch numerous development projects, as he keeps up a busy itinerary touring different regions in the run-up to the first anniversary of his third term in office.
PM Modi will visit Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on May 29 and 30, an official statement said.
He will begin the tour by attending the 'Sikkim@50: Where Progress meets Purpose and Nature nurtures Growth' programme on Thursday and lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects in Sikkim before addressing the gathering.
Mr. Modi will reach Patna on May 29 to inaugurate the Jayprakash Narayan International Airport's new integrated terminal building constructed at a cost of ₹ 1,200 crore, and also lay the foundation stone of a new civil enclave at the Bihta airport, which is about 30 km away from the State capital.
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Hindustan Times
31 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Canadian PM dials PM Modi, invites him to G7 Summit
Toronto: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney invited his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to attend the G7 Summit later this month during their first phone call on Friday, signalling Ottawa's intent to reset relations with New Delhi after a diplomatic row over the killing of a Khalistani separatist. A readout from the Canadian PMO of a conversation between the two leaders confirmed Carney has 'extended an invitation' to Modi to attend the event in Kananaskis from June 15 to 17. The Prime Ministers also 'agreed to remain in contact and looked forward to meeting at the G7 Leaders' Summit later this month,' the statement said. The invitation for Modi to attend the outreach session of the G7 Summit came a little more than a week before the multilateral meet, and there has been intense speculation in diplomatic circles in recent days whether the Indian leader, who participated in the past five G7 Summits, would be invited. 'Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month,' Modi said in a social media post. 'As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit,' he said. It added, 'The two leaders discussed the longstanding relationship between Canada and India, including deep people-to-people ties and significant commercial links. Importantly, there was agreement to continued law enforcement dialogue and discussions addressing security concerns.' The Canadian readout was significant in that it did not directly refer to the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18, 2023, or foreign interference and was positive in its content. Discussions over security concerns have already recommenced. People familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity the phone call was initiated by the Canadian side. 'The Canadians want India to be at the G7 Summit,' one of the people said. The people said Canada is keen to expand cooperation with India, especially in trade and investment, at a time when its relations with the US are under great strain because of the Trump administration's tariffs and other punitive economic measures. The invitation was welcomed by the president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada Goldy Hyder, who said, 'This is obviously a very positive and welcome development.' Carney spoke to Modi a day after his phone call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. A readout from the Canadian Prime Minister's Office said Carney and Li discussed the 'importance of engagement' and agreed to regularise channels of communication between the two countries. Modi had been quick to congratulate Carney on social media when the provisional results of Canada's general election projected a victory for the Liberal Party on April 29. 'I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership and unlock greater opportunities for our people,' Modi had said at the time. Carney's election win had triggered hopes for a reset of the bilateral relationship that hit an all-time low under his predecessor Justin Trudeau, especially after he went public in September 2023 with allegations that Indian government agents were linked to the killing of Khalistani separatist Nijjar. India had dismissed the charge as 'absurd'. Under the Trudeau government, Ottawa and New Delhi repeatedly clashed on the Khalistan issue, downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled each other's diplomats. India also accused Canada of providing safe haven to extremist elements. However, the lack of an invitation so far for Modi to attend the G7 Summit, which Carney will host, had raised questions about the prospects of the bilateral relationship. Modi's participation in the G7 Summit is expected to set the stage for several bilateral meetings, including with US President Donald Trump, whom he last met in February. India and the US are currently engaged in intense negotiations for the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement. Since 2019, Modi has been invited to the outreach session of the G7 Summits in France, the UK, Germany, Japan and Italy, largely in recognition of India's growing economic heft and role in coping with global challenges. India and Canada are also set to appoint new high commissioners in each other's capitals. The positions have been vacant since India withdrew its envoy last year after he and five other diplomats were named as 'persons of interest' in the investigation into Nijjar's killing. India's ambassador to Spain, Dinesh K Patnaik, has been widely tipped to be the next high commissioner in Ottawa. Though India and Canada have resumed contacts between their security and law enforcement agencies since late last year, New Delhi continues to have concerns about the activities of Khalistani elements in Canada, including the possibility of protests during Modi's visit. 'Our hope is that we can rebuild our ties based on mutual trust and sensitivity,' external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in March, after Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) chief Daniel Rogers attended a security conclave hosted by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in New Delhi.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
India trusted development partner for Central Asia: Jaishankar
India values Central Asia's support following the Pahalgam terror incident. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights strong ties and India's role as a trusted development partner. Cooperation is expanding in connectivity, trade, tourism, and education. Direct flights and enhanced connectivity boost tourist flow and business. The India-Central Asia Dialogue strengthens regional cooperation in various sectors. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India on Friday appreciated the Central Asian states for standing by it following the Pahalgam terror attack and reaffirmed that it would be a "trusted development partner" for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and his opening remarks at the India-Central Asia Dialogue, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India is keen to expand cooperation with the five countries in a range of areas, including connectivity, trade, tourism and education."I appreciate that your countries stood by India and condemned the heinous terrorist attack that took place in April in Pahalgam," he said India "deeply cherishes" its millennia-old civilisational and cultural ties with Central external affairs minister said the cooperation between India and Central Asia received a "quantum boost" following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's back-to-back visits to all five countries in the region in July 2015."India remains a trusted development partner for all of you," he said, adding that the two-way trade, economic and investment ties have strengthened significantly over the last decade."Today, we are well-connected by multiple direct flights. Our enhanced connectivity facilitates greater two-way tourist flows and businesses," he said both India and the Central Asian nations are committed to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of trade and investment, defence, regional connectivity, security and new and emerging India-Central Asia Dialogue, launched in January 2019 in Samarkand, is a meeting of foreign ministers. It serves as a key platform for strengthening ties between India and Central second meeting took place virtually in October 2020 and focussed on regional security, counter-terrorism, and infrastructure third meeting was held in New Delhi in December 2021 and emphasised connectivity to further deepen the ties between India and Central Asia.
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Jaw-dropping beauty, visual feast: What to expect on Vande Bharat train trip to Kashmir
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened two specially built Vande Bharat trains between Katra town and Srinagar city read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the Vande Bharat Express to inaugurate the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat service, at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi station, in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. PTI The long-awaited train to Kashmir is now a reality, giving a breathtaking and daring trip across the stunning terrain while crisscrossing the world's tallest railway bridge that seems to kiss the skies. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened two specially built Vande Bharat trains between Katra town and Srinagar city. This would ensure all-weather surface connection with the Kashmir valley and cut the journey time between the two locations by two to three hours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PM Modi interacts with students inside Vande Bharat train, in J&K. PTI In the midst of winding tunnels built deep into the heart of the Shivaliks, the train gently winds through tiny gorges, deep valleys capped with towering Himalayan peaks and beautiful green forests, while the River Chenab runs alongside to it. The man-made engineering marvels include the highest Chenab bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge and the 13-kilometre T-50 tunnel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the Chenab bridge, the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river, in Reasi district. PTI For travellers from across the country, especially nature-loving tourists, this journey promises an unforgettable passage through one of the most scenic and awe-inspiring routes on Earth. Vande Bharat train, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, crosses the Chenab rail bridge, in Reasi district of J&K. PTI 'It is not an ordinary train but one meant for tourism — a visual feast and a traveller's date with nature, with beautiful and eye-catching scenery. I love it. I will remember it for years to come,' said author Satesh Verma from Delhi while talking to PTI. Nestled in the northernmost part of India, Jammu and Kashmir stands as a timeless symbol of natural splendour and serene beauty. Among the many ways to experience this enchanting region, a train ride from Katra to Kashmir offers a breathtaking journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the Anji bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge over the river Anji, in Reasi district of J&K. X/ @narendramodi Locomotive Pilot Manoj Kumar Meena expressed pride in driving the first train to Kashmir, calling it 'a simple journey through a wonderland with ever-changing frames of nature — from forests to rocky mountain peaks, deep valleys and narrow gorges, alongside man-made marvels.' 'I am proud to pilot this train to Kashmir which was flagged off from here. Can you believe it? The drive is a visual feast through a wonderland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Every frame of nature changes after short distances. The world's highest bridge and the tunnels are the biggest attractions,' he told PTI. Kumar, along with fellow locomotive pilots Vikas Chouhan and Rajinder Kumar, said, 'This will change the outlook of the Jammu region in terms of tourism. It will receive a major boost.' As the train snaked its way post-inauguration from Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, it felt like a visual odyssey, a living postcard offering a soul-stirring experience even before one sets foot in the Kashmir valley. Sahil Kumar, a railway employee from Kashmir, said as the train enters the heart of the mountains, passengers will witness a symphony of changing seasons and landscapes from snow-laden pine forests in winter to vibrant spring blossoms and from summer's lush greenery to the golden hues of autumn. As the train ascends, the plains of Jammu slowly give way to emerald forests, towering peaks, green valleys and the serpentine river Chenab. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The grandeur of the Himalayas, Shivaliks and Pirpanjal forms a magnificent backdrop, while the train's lovely interior and comfort add a soothing charm to the dramatic scenery.' When the Vande Bharat train arrived on the world's highest Chenab bridge, standing 359 metres above mean sea level, school children on board cheered, shouting 'Jai Mata Di' in a moment of joy and pride. In a historic moment earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi dedicated to the nation the engineering marvel that is the Chenab Bridge — the highest railway bridge in the world, connecting the remote villages of Bakkal and Kauri in Reasi district. Designed to endure harsh terrain and extreme weather, the bridge can withstand wind speeds up to 260 kilometres per hour and is built to last 120 years. The Tricolour flies high over the Chenab Rail Bridge! It's a feeling of immense pride that this bridge seamlessly blends ambition with execution, reflecting India's growing capability to build futuristic infrastructure in the most challenging terrains. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 6, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'It was a dream to visit this bridge and take pictures. I loved this moment. It's a great opportunity to travel on this first train. Thank you, Modi ji,' a Class 9 student, Sunita Kumari said. Like her, other students were elated to witness the historic opening of this incredible track to Kashmir. 'Now Kashmir is fully integrated. You can see this beauty. It's a once-in-a-lifetime moment, we are part of history,' said another student, Anurag. Another man-made marvel on the Katra–Banihal section is the Anji Khad Bridge, a high-value tourist attraction and India's first cable-stayed railway bridge. Supported by 96 cables, the 725-metre-long bridge stands 331 metres above mean sea level. The 272-kilometre-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, constructed at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore, comprises 36 tunnels covering 119 km and 943 bridges traversing the rugged Himalayan terrain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The Banihal–Katra section of the project is known for its man-made wonders — the world's highest railway bridge, the cable-stayed Anji Khad bridge, the longest T-50 tunnel, and a chain of tunnels and bridges. It is a breathtaking experience from a tourism perspective,' said Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of the Railway Board. He said this 111-km section has 97.4 km of track passing through tunnels and over bridges. 'It's a journey through India's engineering marvels,' he said. Social media has already dubbed this ride 'India's Switzerland experience' after viral videos showcased snow-covered trains cutting through the valley. Tourists, influencers and even South African cricket legend Jonty Rhodes expressed awe and a desire to experience it. Asserting that the journey on the Vande Bharat trains through hills will be a beautiful journey, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, 'It is a beautiful journey, with scenic views along the way. Children, youth and even couples can take photos en route. This will also serve as an alternative route and reduce congestion on the highway.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
