India offers hospitality for Moon
President Moon Jae-in and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi react to Indian citizens during their subway ride in New Delhi, Monday, the second day of Moon's state visit to the country. / Korea Times photo by Koh Young-gwon
By Kim Rahn
The Indian government is treating President Moon Jae-in with many opportunities to build friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to Cheong Wa Dae, Tuesday, Modi has accompanied Moon to 11 events among a total of 18 which Moon has attended during his four-day state visit to the country.
On Monday, the two visited the Gandhi Memorial Museum to honor the memory of the great leader. It was the first time for the Indian prime minister to visit the place with a foreign head of state.
They also participated in the completion ceremony of Samsung Electronics' mobile phone factory in Noida ― also the first time for Modi to attend a completion event of a foreign company's factory which the Indian government was not involved in.
On their way from the museum to the factory, they took a subway at Modi's suggestion and Moon had a chance to experience the lives of Delhi citizens. The subway trains were manufactured by Korean company Hyundai Rotem, and some sections of the subway line by Samsung C&T.
The two leaders also went to other events together including their summit, luncheon, dinner and a joint press conference. “Besides the usual events held for the visit of a foreign leader, the Indian government suggested special events where the two could spend time together,” a Cheong Wa Dae official said.
Modi also sent a traditional Indian dance troupe to Moon's banquet with Korean residents there Monday. The dancers presented a performance depicting a love story of King Suro of the ancient Korean kingdom of Gaya who married a princess from the ancient Indian kingdom of Ayuta.
The Indian government also completed remodeling its guest house for VIPs to meet the schedule of Moon's visit, according to Cheong Wa Dae.