PM Modi’s five-nation tour to focus on energy, trade and strategic ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a six-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy from May 15-20, with discussions expected to focus on energy cooperation, trade, investment and strategic ties amid the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) announced the visit on Monday, saying Modi’s first stop will be the UAE, where he will meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“The two leaders will have the opportunity to exchange views on bilateral issues, in particular energy cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest,” the MEA said.

The visit comes at a time when the West Asia crisis has pushed up global oil prices and increased pressure on India’s foreign currency reserves.

Modi recently called for a series of austerity measures, including fuel conservation, fewer imports and gold purchases, and reduced travel, as higher energy prices continue to affect India’s foreign exchange reserves.

Indian markets reacted sharply on Monday, with shares falling and the rupee recording its steepest decline in more than a month to close at its weakest recorded level.

India, one of the world’s largest net energy importers, faces risks from rising crude oil prices, including a widening current account deficit, slower economic growth and higher inflation.

The UAE visit is also expected to focus on expanding trade and investment ties. The MEA said the visit would help promote significant economic linkages between the two countries.

The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner and its seventh-largest source of investment cumulatively over the past 25 years.

The MEA added that the presence of a more than 4.5 million-strong Indian community in the UAE would also make the visit an opportunity to discuss their welfare.

Netherlands visit

In the second leg of the trip, Modi will visit the Netherlands from May 15 to 17. It will be his second visit to the country after his 2017 trip.

During the visit, Modi will meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima and hold talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten.

According to the MEA, the visit aims to build on existing cooperation in sectors including defence, security, innovation, green hydrogen, semiconductors and water management.

The Netherlands is among India’s largest trade destinations in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25.

It is also India’s fourth-largest investor, with cumulative foreign direct investment of USD 55.6 billion.

Sweden talks to focus on AI and green transition

From the Netherlands, Modi will travel to Sweden for a two-day visit from May 17 to 18 at the invitation of Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson.

Modi had earlier visited Sweden in 2018 for the first India-Nordic Summit.

The prime minister is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Kristersson to review the full range of bilateral ties and explore new areas of cooperation.

India and Sweden are expected to discuss collaboration in green transition, AI, emerging technologies, startups, resilient supply chains, defence, space, climate action and people-to-people ties.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025.

“The two prime ministers will also address the European Round Table for Industry, a leading pan-European business leaders forum, along with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission,” the MEA said.

Norway visit and India-Nordic Summit

In the fourth leg of the tour, Modi will visit Norway from May 18 to 19 to attend the third India-Nordic Summit and hold bilateral talks with the country’s leadership.

This will be Modi’s first visit to Norway and the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country in 43 years.

Modi will call on King Harald V and Queen Sonja and hold talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.

He is also expected to address the India-Norway Business and Research Summit alongside the Norwegian prime minister.

“The visit will provide an opportunity to review the progress made in India-Norway relations and explore avenues to further strengthen them, with a focus on trade and investment, capitalising on the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, as well as on clean and green tech and blue economy,” the MEA said.

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

According to the MEA, bilateral trade between India and Norway stood at around USD 2.73 billion in 2024, while investments by Norway’s Government Pension Fund in the Indian capital market are close to USD 28 billion.

The third India-Nordic Summit will be held in Oslo on May 19 and attended by leaders from Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden along with Modi.

The summit is expected to focus on technology and innovation, renewable energy, sustainability, blue economy, defence, space and Arctic cooperation.

Italy leg to conclude tour

In the final leg of the visit, Modi will travel to Italy from May 19 to 20 at the invitation of Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni.

Modi last visited Italy in June 2024 for the G7 Summit.

During the visit, he will call on President Sergio Mattarella and hold talks with Meloni.

The MEA said the visit comes as both countries move forward with the joint strategic action plan 2025-2029, aimed at expanding cooperation across several sectors.

India-Italy bilateral trade reached USD 16.77 billion in 2025.

Discussions during the visit are expected to focus on investment, defence and security, clean energy, innovation, science and technology.

The MEA said Modi’s visit would further deepen India’s partnership with Europe, particularly in trade and investment, following the recently concluded India-EU free trade agreement.