PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate ministerial deliberations of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process on Sunday

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the sixth annual Heart of Asia Conference – Istanbul Process on Sunday along with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday in Amritsar.

PM Modi and President Ghani visited the Golden Temple on Saturday evening to offer their prayers ahead of the inauguration of the ministerial deliberations of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, which is being attended by nearly 40 countries and leading groupings like the European Union.

The main focus of the conference will reportedly be on formulating an effective way to counter terrorism in the region.

India and Afghanistan are also expected to hold bilateral talks to strengthen their relationship.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will represent India in the ministerial conference in place of Sushma Swaraj who is unwell.

To showcase rich culture and heritage of Punjab, the state government will be hosting a dinner for the visiting dignitaries at a heritage village, named 'Sadda Pind' located on the outskirts of the holy city.

Modi and Ghani are also expected to attend the dinner hosted by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

(With PTI inputs)