Indian economy the ''engine of global growth'' under PM Modi: Shinzo Abe

Washington D.C:Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe acknowledged that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s leadership, the Indian economy was now serving as the engine of global growth.

Meeting on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit 2016 here, discussions were held between the two leaders in a very cordial atmosphere keeping in line with the special strategic and global partnership with Japan, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Abe thanked Prime Minister Modi for the `excellent hospitality` during his bilateral visit to India in December 2015 and described his visit to Varanasi as unforgettable.The two leaders reviewed the decisions taken during Abe`s visit and expressed satisfaction at the strong pace of implementation.Abe conveyed that a survey Mission will be coming from Japan in May, to take forward the Convention Centre project in Varanasi and they also discussed measures to promote further trade and investment.

Prime Minister Modi thanked Abe for Japan`s strong participation in the International Fleet Review.The two leaders also discussed the continuing threat of terrorism and the need for the International community to eschew selective approaches and they also reviewed global and regional issues.Abe said that he was greatly looking forward to Prime Minister Modi`s bilateral visit to Japan later this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who departed from here for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the final leg of his three nation tour, said that his Washington DC visit was full of fruitful meetings and interactions and added that the Nuclear Security Summit 2016 discussed issues of great global importance.

During his two day visit to Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister aims to revive India`s strategic partnership with the oil-rich nation, particularly in areas of counter-terrorism, energy and trade.He is also expected to hold bilateral talks with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud on issues including ways to step up existing counter-terrorism mechanisms.