Headline:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a five-nation tour from May 15 to May 20.
- Modi’s first stop is the United Arab Emirates before visits to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
- Discussions are expected to focus on trade, investment, energy cooperation, technology, and defense.
- Modi will attend the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, Norway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday began a five-nation diplomatic tour that will take him to the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy between May 15 and May 20. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening India’s economic, technological, and strategic partnerships with Europe and the Gulf region.
The multi-country visit comes at a time when India is expanding its international trade relationships and increasing cooperation with countries in areas including energy, investment, innovation, artificial intelligence, and supply chain resilience.
Modi begins UAE visit with focus on energy and trade cooperation
Modi started the tour with a visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he is scheduled to hold discussions with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the talks are expected to cover energy cooperation, trade, investment, and regional developments of mutual interest.
The UAE remains one of India’s key strategic and economic partners in the Gulf region. Bilateral engagement between the two countries has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, fintech, and technology.
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy described Modi as a “true treasure” for the leadership and people of the Emirates. She said ties between India and the UAE were expected to reach “new mountain tops” in trade and technology cooperation.
Speaking to ANI ahead of the visit, Al Hashimy said the UAE was looking forward to hosting the Indian prime minister. She also referred to continuing high-level engagement between the two countries, including the UAE president’s India visit in January and the crown prince’s participation in the AI Summit held in February.
The Modi visit is expected to further strengthen economic cooperation between India and the UAE, especially as both countries continue to expand non-oil trade and investment partnerships.
Modi Netherlands visit to focus on semiconductors and green hydrogen
After the UAE visit, Modi will travel to the Netherlands from May 15 to May 17. During the visit, he is expected to hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. He is also scheduled to meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
India and the Netherlands have increased cooperation in several strategic sectors in recent years, particularly in clean energy, water management, agriculture technology, and semiconductor development.
Discussions during Modi’s Netherlands visit are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defense cooperation, and water management systems.
The Netherlands is considered an important European partner for India, especially in technology and sustainable infrastructure development. The meetings are expected to support broader economic engagement between India and European nations.
Modi Sweden visit expected to highlight AI and emerging technologies
Modi will then travel to Sweden from May 17 to May 18 for bilateral discussions with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
The two leaders are also expected to jointly address the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Talks in Sweden are likely to focus on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, green transition initiatives, manufacturing partnerships, and resilient supply chains.
India and Sweden have been expanding cooperation in innovation-driven sectors, including clean technology, smart mobility, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. The meetings are expected to provide further momentum to India-Europe business and industrial partnerships.
Modi to attend India-Nordic Summit in Norway
In Norway, Modi will attend the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19. He is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden are expected to participate in the summit, which focuses on strengthening cooperation between India and Nordic countries.
The India-Nordic Summit is expected to address issues including climate technology, renewable energy, sustainable development, digital transformation, and innovation partnerships.
The Nordic region has become increasingly important for India because of its expertise in clean energy technologies, green transition strategies, and advanced industrial systems.
Modi Europe outreach aimed at strengthening strategic and economic ties
The five-nation tour is expected to deepen India’s engagement with Europe and the Gulf region across several sectors. Trade and investment are likely to remain central themes throughout the visit.
The trip also comes after the recent completion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to increase economic cooperation and market access between India and EU member states.
India has been seeking stronger partnerships with European countries in areas such as defense manufacturing, renewable energy, technology transfer, supply chain diversification, and digital innovation.
Modi’s meetings with European and Gulf leaders are expected to reinforce India’s efforts to position itself as a major economic and strategic partner in a changing global environment.
The visit is also being closely watched for its potential impact on future investments, technology partnerships, and long-term economic cooperation between India and countries across Europe and the Gulf.
