New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Abu Dhabi on Friday, embarking on a five-nation tour from May 15 to 20 that will take him to the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The visit is aimed at deepening India’s strategic partnerships across trade, technology, energy, innovation, and green growth, while reinforcing New Delhi’s engagement with Europe and the Gulf region.
Exporters’ body Federation of Indian Export Organisations described the tour as arriving at a “crucial juncture,” saying it is expected to generate fresh momentum for India’s trade and investment ties with Europe and the Gulf. FIEO President SC Ralhan said the visit would create opportunities for Indian exporters across engineering, clean energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles, logistics, and digital trade. India’s bilateral trade with the countries on the itinerary collectively exceeds USD 70 billion, Ralhan added.
UAE: Energy, Trade and a Royal Welcome
Modi begins in the UAE on May 15 with a meeting with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Ministry of External Affairs said discussions will focus on energy cooperation, trade, investment, and regional issues of mutual interest.
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy described Modi as a “true treasure” for the Emirates, saying the bilateral relationship is set to reach “new mountaintops” in trade and technology. Speaking to ANI, Al Hashimy said the visit would build on recent high-level engagements — including the UAE President’s visit to India in January and the Crown Prince’s participation in the AI Summit in February.
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FIEO described the UAE as one of India’s most important trade and investment partners and a key gateway for Indian exports to the Middle East and Africa.
Netherlands: Semiconductors, Green Hydrogen and Defence
From May 15 to 17, Modi travels to the Netherlands, where he will hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Key areas of focus are expected to include semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defence, and water management.
Sweden: AI, Green Transition and Industry Roundtable
Modi visits 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 alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Discussions will cover artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, the green transition, and resilient supply chains.
Norway: India-Nordic Summit
On May 19, Modi will participate in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo and hold bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden will also attend the summit. FIEO said the growing convergence between India and the Nordic countries opens new avenues for Indian businesses, startups, and technology partnerships in support of sustainable growth.
Italy: Clean Energy, Defence and Technology
In the final leg, Modi travels to Italy from May 19 to 20 for meetings with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, with cooperation in clean energy, defence, and technology on the agenda.
FIEO noted that the European legs of the tour carry added significance in light of the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement and the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.
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