Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a five-nation diplomatic tour covering the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, with a strong focus on energy security, trade expansion, investment and emerging technologies amid rising geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict.
The visit starts with a stop in the United Arab Emirates, where Modi is scheduled to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions are expected to centre on long-term energy cooperation, crude oil and LNG supplies, strategic petroleum reserves and regional developments.
According to official statements, India and the UAE are also likely to sign agreements related to LPG and strategic petroleum reserves during the visit. The outreach comes at a time when higher global oil prices and disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict are impacting energy-importing nations, including India.
India considers the UAE one of its key energy partners, with the Gulf nation being a major supplier of crude oil and natural gas. Reports suggest India is also looking to strengthen its strategic oil reserve capacity through deeper cooperation with Abu Dhabi.
After the UAE visit, Modi will travel to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy as part of efforts to deepen cooperation in areas including green transition, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defence, innovation and resilient supply chains.
During the Sweden leg of the tour, Modi is expected to participate in engagements linked to the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Discussions are expected to include AI, green technologies and industrial cooperation.
The Norway visit will include participation in the India-Nordic Summit, where regional cooperation, trade and innovation partnerships are likely to be discussed.
The multi-country visit comes as India navigates volatile global energy markets and broader geopolitical uncertainty stemming from tensions in West Asia. Analysts say the trip is aimed at securing energy supplies while strengthening India’s strategic and economic partnerships with Europe and the Gulf region.
