Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Switzerland to discuss science, business and
the moot question of funds alleged to be hidden in Swiss banks, away from
Indian tax authorities. The Swiss deny the claim.
Deutsche Welle, 6 June 2016
Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his whirlwind trip to Switzerland early on
Monday by declaring his intentions to meet with prominent business leaders, and
scientists at the CERN European research organization, which operates the
largest particle physics laboratory in the world.
Modi also
met Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann in Geneva (photo).
"In
Geneva, I will meet prominent businesspersons. Our agenda will be to expand
economic and investment ties. I will meet Indian scientists working at CERN.
India takes pride in their contribution to exploring new frontiers of science
in the service of humanity," he said.
Hidden
assets
According
to Indian news agency PTI, Modi was to press the issue of so-called "black
money," or funds stashed by Indian nationals in Switzerland - either
because the funds came from illicit profits or were being hidden from tax
authorities.
Although
some reports, including one from India's Central Bureau of Investigation,
indicated $500 billion (440 million euros) was hidden in Swiss banks,
authorities in the Alpine confederation have consistently denied this.
A closer engagement with the heart of Europe. President and PM lead delegation level talks #IndiaSwitzerland pic.twitter.com/vtvVWXbP8l— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 6, 2016
Nuclear
Suppliers Group
Modi was
also expected to ask for Switzerland's support for India's bid to join Nuclear
Suppliers Group, a 48-member organization aimed at reducing the threat of
nuclear war.
Indian
membership has been backed the UK, the US and former French President Nicolas
Sarkozy. However, some countries have voiced opposition to non-signatories of
the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) joining the group.
Modi has
stopped in Switzerland as part of a five-nation tour which has included
Afghanistan and Qatar so far.
He is set
to leave Geneva for Washington later on Monday.
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