Post by : Badri Ariffin

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a significant six-day journey to the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. This trip aims to reinforce India's relationships with essential global allies, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic hurdles.

Focusing on vital areas such as energy security, trade cooperation, advanced technologies, defence collaborations, and investment potentials, this tour comes amidst rising instability in global energy markets due to escalating conflicts in West Asia.

As outlined by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi will engage in discussions with numerous global leaders to enhance India’s international partnerships and broaden cooperation in key sectors.

Visit to the UAE

Modi's inaugural stop is the UAE, where he will engage with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their talks will center on fortifying the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE, alongside reviewing the current geopolitical landscape of West Asia.

India and the UAE are expected to formalize two critical agreements focusing on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and strategic petroleum reserves during this visit.

Additionally, the leaders will discuss avenues for trade, investment, and the welfare of the Indian diaspora, which numbers over 4.5 million within the UAE.

With the UAE being India's third-largest trade partner and a crucial provider of foreign investment, this visit holds strategic significance.

Trip to the Netherlands

Following the UAE, PM Modi will head to the Netherlands from May 15 to 17, marking his second visit since 2017.

In this trip, he is scheduled to meet King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Prime Minister Rob Jetten.

Discussions are anticipated to touch on areas like defence, security, innovation, semiconductor technologies, green hydrogen, and water management.

The Netherlands ranks as one of India's largest European trade partners, with bilateral trade projected to reach USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25 and serving as India's fourth-largest foreign investor.

Journey to Sweden

From May 17 to 18, PM Modi will visit Sweden, invited by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

The agenda of discussions will cover collaborations in green transition, artificial intelligence, startups, climate initiatives, defence, emerging technologies, and building resilient supply chains.

Bilateral trade has reached USD 7.75 billion with Sweden in 2025.

Modi and Kristersson are also slated to engage with Ursula von der Leyen during the European Round Table for Industry.

Norway Visitation

His next destination is Norway from May 18 to 19, where he will participate in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo. This visit marks Modi's first official trip to Norway, the first by any Indian Prime Minister in 43 years.

In meetings with King Harald V, Queen Sonja, and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, discussions will revolve around trade, investment, clean energy, green technology, and the blue economy.

The India-Nordic Summit will gather leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden, enhancing India's strategic bonds with Nordic nations.

Final Stop in Italy

PM Modi’s tour will conclude in Italy from May 19 to 20 at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella are also on the agenda.

The focus will be on investment, defence partnerships, clean energy, science and technology, and innovation.

India and Italy are currently working on the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 to further cooperation across multiple sectors, with bilateral trade at USD 16.77 billion in 2025.

This visit reflects India's substantial diplomatic initiative to fortify economic and strategic alliances amid current global uncertainties.

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