Qindao (China): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed on prioritising connectivity with neighbouring countries.
“We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood and in the SCO region is our priority,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the plenary session of the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) Summit in Qingdao.
Talking about the tourism in India, Modi said India is looking to boost the number of tourists from SCO region in future and is taking steps in this regard.
“Only six per cent of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries which can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organize an SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India,” he pointed out.
Ahead of the plenary session, the Prime Minister met Chinese President Xi Jinping and also attended a restricted session along with other SCO member countries.
On Saturday, India and China had signed two MoUs on Brahmaputra river and rice export from India to China.
This is the first time that India is attending the SCO summit as a primary member.
