LUMBINI: Extensive preparations have been made for the reception of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lumbini.

Indian Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Lumbini on the occasion of the 2566th Buddha Jayanti on May 16.

Preparations have also been made for his security.

Meanwhile, an Indian Air Force’s Illusion aircraft IC-76 landed at Gautam Buddha International Airport, Bhairahawa, on Wednesday morning with a contingent of 30 Indian soldiers to take stock of the security situation and other arrangements.

Modi’s visit is said to reinforce Buddhism links between the two countries.

Indian PM Modi and Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba are also scheduled to lay a foundation stone for a Buddhist Vihara, built with Indian assistance, in Lumbini.