Vice President M Venkaiah Nadu held talks with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and discussed bilateral relationship and important issues of common interest. Naidu also briefed the Lithuanian President on India’s move to revoke Article 370.
During the discussion on bilateral ties, Naidu apprised Nauseda that the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir was brought into effect with the aim to reduce regional disparity and improve administrative efficiency. He further elucidated that the move was within the purview of the Government of India. “We expect understanding from our international partners that this decision concerns our national progress and prosperity. It has equity and inclusion as the main objective,” he asserted.
The Vice President is currently on a five-day three-nation tour to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. This is India’s first ever high-level visit to the three Baltic countries.
Indian Vice President and the Lithuanian President also renewed their commitment to augment bilateral ties. They further acceded to the need for the UN to adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. The two leaders also discussed the need for a reform of the United Nation’s Security Council so that the current global challenges can be addressed.
Naidu also enjoined all countries to take collective measures to combat the menace of terrorism. He also stressed on the need to isolate nations that are not taking steps in the direction. Naidu and Nauseda furthered bilateral ties by discussing the possibility of the expansion of commercial and economic ties. The two leaders witnessed the signing of two agreements on agriculture and allied sectors and cultural exchange programme from 2019-21.
Lauding Lithuania for its achievements, Naidu said, “Lithuanian is the oldest Indo-European language and it has strong links with Sanskrit”. He further said that both the countries have civilizational links that go back centuries.
