PM Modi announces 30-day free visa for Indonesians

JAKARTA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced a 30-day free visa for Indonesian citizens and invited the diaspora to travel to their country of origin to experience the ‘New India’.

Addressing a gathering of the Indian diaspora at the Jakarta Convention Centre in the Indonesian capital, Modi said, “not only do the names of our nations rhyme but also there is a distinct rhythm in the India-indonesia friendship.”

“We will grant free of cost visa for Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days,” Modi said, amid applause.

“Many of you may never have been to India. I invite you all to come to India for the Kumbh in Prayag (Allahabad) next year,” Modi told the gathering.

He said this mega event would be a new experience for the visitors who will not only realise India’s ancient culture but also get a glimpse of ‘New India’. Kumbh Mela is one of the largest human congregations on the Earth.

Modi requested the Indian dias- pora to make a habit of visiting their country of origin with friends and experience how India has been changing.

Taking a dig at the previous governments, Modi said his government’s priority was to make India corruption free, citizen-centric and development friendly. “Our government has been preparing India according to the need and expectations of the 21st century,” he said.

“We have gone a step ahead of Ease of Doing Business.’ Our focus is Ease of Living.’ Our processes are transparent and sensitive,” Modi said.