PM Modi embarks on 5-nation tour to deepen India’s strategic ties — what’s on agenda
The visit is expected to reinforce India’s growing engagement in growing geopolitical and economic ties with Europe and the Gulf region.Prime Minister Modi will begin his five-nation tour with a visit to the UAE on May 15, where he will hold talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the talks are expected to focus on energy cooperation, trade, investment and regional issues of mutual interest.Reem Al Hashimi, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, described Prime Minister Modi as a “true treasure” for the leadership and people of the Emirate, saying the bilateral relationship was poised to scale “new mountain peaks” in trade and technology.Speaking to ANI, Al Hashimi 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. He added that the visit would build on regular high-level engagements after the UAE President’s visit to India in January and the Crown Prince’s participation in the AI Summit in February.After his visit to the UAE, Prime Minister Modi will visit the Netherlands from May 15 to 17, where he will hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Zetten and meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Discussions are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defense and water management.Then PM Modi will visit Sweden for bilateral talks with Swedish Prime Minister Wolf Kristerson on May 17-18. The two leaders are expected to jointly address a European roundtable for industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Discussions are likely to focus on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, green transition and resilient supply chains.In Norway, the Prime Minister will attend the third Indo-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19 and hold bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Storr. Leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden are also expected to attend the summit.Prime Minister Modi’s visit is expected to strengthen India’s partnership with Europe on multiple fronts, with a special focus on expanding trade and investment ties following the recent conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
