Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday started a six-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy to strengthen India’s ties with key global partners amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic challenges.
The visit will mainly focus on energy security, trade cooperation, critical technologies, defence partnerships and investment opportunities. The tour also comes at a time when global energy markets are facing uncertainty due to rising tensions in West Asia.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi will hold meetings with several world leaders to deepen India’s global partnerships and expand cooperation in important sectors.
UAE Visit
PM Modi’s first stop is the UAE, where he will hold talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions will focus on strengthening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reviewing the current West Asia situation.
India and the UAE are expected to sign two important agreements related to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and strategic petroleum reserves.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss trade, investment and the welfare of the Indian community living in the UAE. More than 4.5 million Indians currently live and work in the Gulf nation.
The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and an important source of foreign investment.
Netherlands Visit
After the UAE, PM Modi will travel to the Netherlands from May 15 to 17. This will be his second visit to the country after 2017.
During the visit, Modi will meet King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
Talks between the two sides are expected to focus on defence, security, innovation, semiconductors, green hydrogen and water management cooperation.
The Netherlands is one of India’s largest trade partners in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25. It is also India’s fourth-largest foreign investor.
Sweden Visit
PM Modi will visit Sweden from May 17 to 18 at the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
The two leaders are expected to discuss cooperation in green transition, artificial intelligence, startups, climate action, defence, emerging technologies and resilient supply chains.
Bilateral trade between India and Sweden reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025.
During the visit, Modi and Kristersson will also address the European Round Table for Industry along with Ursula von der Leyen.
Norway Visit
PM Modi will then travel to Norway from May 18 to 19 to attend the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo. This will be Modi’s first visit to Norway and the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years.
In Norway, Modi will meet King Harald V, Queen Sonja and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The discussions will focus on trade, investment, clean energy, green technology and the blue economy.
The India-Nordic Summit will also include leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden. The summit is expected to strengthen India’s strategic ties with Nordic countries.
Italy Visit
On the final leg of the tour, PM Modi will visit Italy from May 19 to 20 at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Modi will also meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
The talks are expected to focus on investment, defence cooperation, clean energy, science and technology, and innovation.
India and Italy are currently implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 to expand cooperation in multiple sectors. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 16.77 billion in 2025.
The six-day visit is being seen as an important diplomatic effort by India to strengthen economic and strategic partnerships with key nations during a period of global uncertainty
