Highlights:
- PM Modi began a five-nation tour from May 15 to May 20.
- The first stop of the visit is the United Arab Emirates.
- Talks will focus on trade, energy, technology, and investment.
- PM Modi will also attend the India-Nordic Summit in Norway.
- European partnerships and economic ties are expected to strengthen.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi departed on Friday (15) for the United Arab Emirates as part of a five-nation tour scheduled from May 15 to May 20. After visiting the UAE, he will travel to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
The visit is expected to strengthen India’s growing ties with Europe and the Gulf region during a period of changing geopolitical and economic relations.
PM Modi will begin the tour in the United Arab Emirates on May 15. During the visit, he is scheduled to hold talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions are expected to focus on energy cooperation, trade, investment, and regional issues of shared 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. She said bilateral relations between the two countries were ready to reach "new mountain tops" in trade and technology.
Speaking to ANI, Al Hashimy said the UAE was looking forward to the visit. She described PM Modi as an important figure in the long-standing partnership between India and the Emirates.
She also said the visit would continue regular high-level engagement between the two countries. She referred to the UAE President’s visit to India in January and the Crown Prince’s participation in the AI Summit in February.
After the UAE visit, PM Modi will travel to the Netherlands from May 15 to 17. During the trip, he is expected to hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. He is also scheduled to meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
The discussions in the Netherlands are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defense, and water management.
PM Modi will then visit Sweden from May 17 to 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 along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Talks in Sweden are likely to focus on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, green transition, and resilient supply chains.
In Norway, PM Modi will attend the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19. He will also hold bilateral discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden are also expected to participate in the summit.
The visit is expected to further strengthen India’s partnership with Europe in several sectors. A major focus will be on increasing trade and investment ties following the recent completion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
