Modi leaves for US

Brussels, March 31 (IANS) Asserting that India would never bow down to terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left terror-struck Brussels for Washington on Wednesday night to attend the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) after attending the 13th India-EU summit and resolving to fight terrorism together with Belgium.

"Leaving for Washington DC after a satisfying Belgium visit. My thanks to Belgian people & Government for their exceptional hospitality," Modi tweeted soon after he finished addressing the Indian diaspora in the Belgian capital.

"Am certain my visit will lead to stronger ties with Belgium & EU. India, Europe and the world will gain from strong ties between us," he added.

At least 35 people, including an Indian national, were killed in twin explosions at Zaventem airport and in another explosion at a metro station in the Belgian capital on March 22.

"All set for the trans-Atlantic voyage. PM leaves for USA where he will join Nuclear Security Summit," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.

During a daylong visit to Brussels, his first official visit to the Belgian capital which is also the headquarters of the European Union, Modi said that India stood fully in support and solidarity with the Belgian people following the terror attacks.

Leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations will be attending the NSS in Washington.

On Thursday evening, Modi will be attending a leaders-only thematic dinner to be hosted by US President Barack Obama at the White House.

This will be followed by three plenary sessions on Friday when India, along with other participating nations, will submit their national nuclear progress reports.

"After Belgium, I will be in Washington DC on March 31 to participate in the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit, where several nations and global organisations would be represented," Modi said in a statement on Tuesday ahead of his departure to Brussels.

"The summit would deliberate on the crucial issue of threat to nuclear security caused by nuclear terrorism. Leaders would discuss ways and measure through which to strengthen the global nuclear security architecture, especially to ensure that non-state actors do not get access to nuclear material," he said.