New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits have won praise from supporters, but invited criticism from the opposition. Talking to ETV Bharat, Political and Strategic Affairs expert Rajiv Sharma said that PM Modi's visit to 91 countries took India ahead in several strategic issues.
"His visit to Tel Aviv in Israel was strategically important, following the fact that India sought advanced defence and water technology. With Japan, India is building a bullet train connectivity in Gujarat. On the other hand, Modi's visit to Russia witnessed the signing of much crucial Rafael deal where India will get 36 Rafael jets. His foreign trips also brought USD 193 billion Foreign Direct Investment to India," he added.
Sharma further said that economic diplomacy was on the resurgence with the Indian Prime Minister taking it forward in his stride.
According to a senior Indian diplomat, in the energy sector too, Modi's foreign visit was important for the country.
"He took the initiative in convincing the world's biggest oil exporter Saudi Aramco to invest in India's largest oil refinery," said the diplomat who wished not to be named.
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