Narendra Modi leaves for Portugal in the first leg of three-nation tour

“PM @narendramodi emplaned for Portugal, after which he shall visit USA and Netherlands for important bilateral visits,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) wrote on Twitter.

Modi's  Portugal visit would precede his trip to the US on June 26. He will be on a day's visit the Netherlands on June 27.

In Portugal, Modi would  hold talks with Antonio Costa, the Portugal Prime Minister of Indian origin, in Lisbon before flying to the US where he would meet President Donald Trump.

Modi's US visit is of great significance as as this would be for the first time he  would meet  Donald Trump after his  Presidency began on January 20.

According to reports,  House Press Secretary Sean Spicer is expecting a very robust discussion to take place between Trump and Modi.

On Friday, Modi had tweeted, "My USA visit is aimed at deepening ties between our nations. Strong India-USA ties benefit our nations & the world."

According to reports, combating terror and strengthening trade ties are expected to be the thrust areas, among others.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay had said Modi’s visit to the US has “its own significance because it will be the first visit of the Prime Minister to engage with the new leader, with the new President (Donald Trump) after the elections last year” in the United States.

On his way back, Modi would visit The Netherlands for talks with Prime Minister Mark Rutte in The Hague, besides calling on the King of The Netherlands Willem Alexander.

"My visit to Netherlands seeks to boost bilateral ties & deepen economic cooperation," Modi had tweeted.