The vice president of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, is to visit Estonia from 20-21 August; it’s the first high-level visit from India to Estonia.
According to the Estonian foreign ministry, Naidu arrives at Tallinn airport on the evening of 20 August.
“On Wednesday, 21 August, president Kersti Kaljulaid will welcome him in Kadriorg,” the foreign ministry said.
Naidu will also meet with prime minister Jüri Ratas at Stenbock House and with the speaker of the parliament, Henn Põlluaas, at the parliament building. “In the afternoon, the vice president will formally lay a wreath at the foot of the Victory Column of the War of Independence,” the ministry added.
The Estonian foreign minister, Urmas Reinsalu, will sign an agreement on visa freedom for diplomatic passports with Naidu.
Naidu will also visit the Ülemiste City business park in Tallinn.
Naidu’s visit also includes talks on the development of bilateral relations as well as possible cooperation in the UN and international organisations, the foreign ministry said.
Venkaiah Naidu has served as the Indian vice president, a largely ceremonial role, since 11 August 2017. Previously, he held various ministerial posts at the prime minister Narendra Modi’s government. A prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Naidu also served as its national president from 2002 to 2004.
Cover: Venkaiah Naidu taking the oath of office in 2017, courtesy of the office of the President of India.