PM Modi praises Indian films for making familiar with Switzerland

 Geneva: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised Indian's film industry for making aware of the enchanting Swiss landscapes to its audience.

Indian films especially the Hindi film industry, also known as Bollywood, has shot their romantic songs extensively in the pristine backdrops of Switzerland.

"Strong ties between the people of our two countries are an important base and benchmark of our linkages. Thanks to the Indian film industry, we are very familiar with the enchanting beauty of the Swiss landscapes.

"But, we are also keen to welcome larger number of Swiss visitors to India. For this, we have opened the facility of e-Tourist Visa for Swiss nationals earlier this year," he said during a joint press interaction with Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann.

The Prime Minister also referred to Indian tennis stars Sania Mirza and Leander Paes winning a number of Grand Slams while pairing up with Swiss player Martina Hingis.

"There are many success stories of our relationship. One that has been making waves in the Grand Slams of the tennis world is the partnership of famous Swiss player Martina Hingis with Sania Mirza and Leander Paes of India. I am confident that our common commitments and values, people to people links and a strong and growing economic partnership will take our relations to new heights," PM Modi said.

Paes and Hingis had won the French Open mixed doubles last week. The pair had won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open in 20.