NEW DELHI, May 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday embarked on a six-day tour of the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy to enhance bilateral ties amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and global energy concerns.
Safeguarding energy supplies, addressing trade disruptions arising from the West Asia crisis, and strengthening cooperation in critical and emerging technologies are expected to be key focus areas during the visit.
Over the six-day trip, Modi will engage with several global leaders to deepen India’s strategic partnerships, according to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
The prime minister’s first stop is the UAE, where he will hold talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focusing on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and exchanging views on the evolving West Asia situation. The two sides are also expected to finalise agreements on cooperation in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and strategic petroleum reserves.
The visit comes amid volatility in global energy markets triggered by tensions involving the United States and Iran, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies.
From the UAE, Modi will travel to the Netherlands for a three-day visit, where he is scheduled to meet King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The visit aims to expand cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, innovation and water management.
In the next leg, Modi will visit Sweden from May 17 to 18 at the invitation of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Talks will focus on areas including green transition, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, defence, and climate action. The leaders will also address the European Round Table for Industry alongside Ursula von der Leyen.
Modi will then travel to Norway from May 18 to 19 to attend the third India-Nordic Summit and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. During the visit, he will also meet King Harald V and Queen Sonja. The summit in Oslo will include leaders from Nordic countries and is expected to further strengthen India’s engagement with the region.
In the final leg, Modi will visit Italy from May 19 to 20 at the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He is also scheduled to meet President Sergio Mattarella. Discussions are expected to focus on investment, defence, clean energy, innovation, and technology cooperation.
Officials said the multi-nation tour is aimed at reinforcing India’s global partnerships and addressing shared challenges in energy security, economic resilience, and technological advancement. (Agencies)
