Post by : Bianca
Haleem
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a six-day tour covering the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy to reinforce India's relationships with significant global partners amid rising geopolitical and economic challenges.
The agenda centers around energy security, trade collaborations, vital technologies, defense agreements, and investment prospects. This tour comes at a pivotal moment as global energy markets face instability due to escalating tensions in West Asia.
As reported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi plans to engage in discussions with numerous world leaders to enhance India’s global partnerships and foster cooperation across critical sectors.
Initial Stop in the UAE
PM Modi's journey kicks off in the UAE, where he is scheduled to meet with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions aim to bolster the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while reviewing the current geopolitical landscape in West Asia.
India and the UAE are poised to finalize two significant agreements concerning liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and strategic petroleum reserves.
The two leaders will also deliberate on topics including trade, investment opportunities, and the welfare of the Indian community in the UAE, which comprises over 4.5 million individuals.
The UAE stands as India's third-largest trading ally and a vital source of foreign investments.
Next Stop: Netherlands
Following his UAE visit, PM Modi will head to the Netherlands from May 15 to 17, marking his second visit since 2017.
During this trip, he will engage with King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
The discussions are anticipated to cover defense, security, innovation, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and water management collaborations.
The Netherlands is among India's largest trading partners in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25, while also being the fourth-largest source of foreign investment in India.
Visit to Sweden
PM Modi will then travel to Sweden from May 17 to 18 at the behest of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
The discussions will likely hone in on cooperation in green technology, artificial intelligence, startups, climate initiatives, defense, and emerging technologies.
Bilateral trade between Sweden and India reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025.
Modi and Kristersson will be part of the European Round Table for Industry along with Ursula von der Leyen during the visit.
Engagement in Norway
PM Modi's travels will take him to Norway next, from May 18 to 19, to participate in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo. This marks Modi’s inaugural visit to Norway and the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years.
In Norway, he will meet with King Harald V, Queen Sonja, and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Discussions are anticipated to encompass trade, investment, clean energy, green technologies, and the blue economy.
The summit will include leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden, aiming to strengthen India's strategic ties with Nordic nations.
Final Stop in Italy
PM Modi will conclude his tour in Italy from May 19 to 20 at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
He will also meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
The discussions in Italy will focus on investment, defense collaborations, clean energy, science, technology, and innovation.
India and Italy are currently working on the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, with trade figures reaching USD 16.77 billion in 2025.
This six-day tour represents a significant diplomatic initiative by India aimed at fortifying economic and strategic partnerships with key nations during an era of global uncertainty.
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