India prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (30) began his Indonesia trip by paying tribute to the country's independence struggle by placing a a wreath at the Kalibata National Heroes’ Cemetery in Jakarta.
He also strongly condemned the recent terror attacks on three churches in Indonesia, saying India stayed with Jakarta in its fight against terrorism.
“Friends, I am in grief over the deaths of innocent civilians of Indonesia in the recent terror attacks. India strongly condemns such attacks and stands with Indonesia in its fight against terrorism,” Modi said in a press statement.
Earlier this month, six suicide bombers targeted three churches during services in Surabaya, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 40 others.
On Wednesday, Modi also announced a 30-day free visa for Indonesian citizens and invited them to experience "new India."
"We will grant free of cost visa for Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days," Modi said while addressing a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Jakarta Convention Centre. "Many of you may never have been to India. I invite you all to come to India for the Kumbh in Prayag next year," Modi told the gathering.
Modi also noted that his government was making India ready to meet the expectations of the 21st century. "We have gone a step ahead in the 'Ease of Doing Business.' Our focus is 'Ease of Living.' Our processes are transparent and sensitive," Modi said. "We have to make a 'New India'. We have to start working to realise the dream of New India by 2022, when India will celebrate 75 years of independence," the prime minister added.
John Dramani Mahama welcomes Modi on his arrival in Accra last Wednesday (2)
South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazil’s president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Modi and China’s premier Li Qiang at the Brics summit last Sunday (6)