Davos/Zurich: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in Zurich on his way to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting. After reaching Davos, he will meet Swiss President Alain Berset on Monday and later attend the welcome reception by India and later host a dinner for global CEOs.

Mr Modi will deliver the opening plenary address at the WEF summit on Tuesday, and is due to have a bilateral meeting with Swedish PM Stefan Lofven in Davos.

“On his way to Davos, PM @narendramodi arrives in Zurich. First visit by Indian PM to #Davos in 20 years! PM would make a keynote speech at the plenary of the #World EconomicForum, address International Business Council and interact with CEOs,” an MEA spokesman said in a tweet.

At Davos, Indian CEOs made a strong pitch on Monday for a statesman-like position for the country to counter the protectionism and domestic rhetoric likely to be pushed by the United States and others. Banker Uday Kotak, a Davos veteran, said India must understand the subtle difference between sales and marketing, and present the India story accordingly.