Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday departed for the United Arab Emirates as part of a five-nation tour spanning May 15 to May 20. The official visit will also cover the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The tour is expected to reinforce India's growing engagement with Europe and the Gulf region amid evolving geopolitical and economic ties.
Visit to the United Arab Emirates
PM Modi will begin his five-nation tour with a visit to the UAE on May 15, where he is scheduled to hold talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, discussions are expected to focus on energy cooperation, trade, investment, and regional issues of mutual interest.
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy described PM Modi as a “true treasure” for the leadership and people of the Emirates, stating that bilateral ties are set to scale “new mountain tops” in trade and technology. Speaking to ANI, Al Hashimy said the UAE was looking forward to the visit and described PM Modi as a central figure in the long-standing partnership between the two countries. She added that the visit would build on regular high-level engagements following the UAE President's trip to India in January and the Crown Prince's participation in the AI Summit in February.
Visit to the Netherlands
Following his visit to the UAE, PM Modi will travel to the Netherlands from May 15 to 17, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. Discussions are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defence, and water management.
Visit to Sweden
PM Modi will then visit Sweden on May 17-18 for bilateral talks 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 are likely to centre on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, green transition, and resilient supply chains.
Visit to Norway and the India-Nordic Summit
In Norway, the Prime Minister will participate in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19 and hold bilateral discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden are also expected to attend the summit.
Overall Significance of the Tour
PM Modi's visit is expected to further strengthen India's partnership with Europe across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on expanding trade and investment ties following the recent conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
