Modi to visit Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand next week

NEW DELHI, July 3: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand next week, as New Delhi seeks to strengthen strategic ties in the region.

The July 8-11 tour comes after Modi's visits to Mauritius March last year and Seychelles last month, reflecting what India's external affairs ministry described as a shift in diplomatic focus to the eastern maritime region under its 'Act East' policy.

"The focus has shifted to the eastern maritime zones of the Indian Ocean and our Act East engagement," senior Indian foreign ministry official RudrendraTandon, told reporters at a news briefing on Friday.�" AFP