Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday began a five-nation visit starting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before heading to Europe for talks focused on energy security, technology partnerships and trade cooperation.
The six-day tour includes visits to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The trip comes at a time when the Iran war and disruptions around Gulf shipping routes and the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect global oil and gas markets.
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India, one of the world's biggest energy importers, is closely watching the impact on supply chains and fuel prices. Alongside energy concerns, the visit also underlines India's efforts to strengthen economic partnerships and position itself as a manufacturing and technology hub.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs from Delhi as he embarks on a 5-nation visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2026
On the first leg of his visit, the PM will reach the UAE today, where he will meet President Sheikh Mohamed pic.twitter.com/OuD75sCawU
UAE visit to focus on energy ties
PM Modi will meet UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the first leg of the tour, on May 15.
India and the UAE are expected to discuss deeper cooperation in energy and trade. Sources said two important MoUs in the areas of LPG and Strategic Petroleum Reserves are likely to be signed during the visit.
The UAE remains one of India's major energy partners, with long-term supply agreements helping strengthen India’s energy security during global uncertainty.
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Trade ties between the two countries have also expanded rapidly. Bilateral merchandise trade crossed US$100 billion for the first time, reaching US$101.25 billion in FY 2025-26. Both countries have also set a target of doubling trade to US$200 billion by 2032.
The visit is also significant for the Indian diaspora, which forms the largest expatriate community in the UAE.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes the President of the United Arab Emirates. File image/ANI
Europe tour centred on technology and manufacturing
After the UAE, PM Modi will travel to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, where discussions are expected to focus heavily on advanced technology, clean energy and industrial cooperation.
In the Netherlands, Tata Electronics and ASML are expected to sign an agreement linked to a semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat. India and the Netherlands are also expected to expand cooperation in water management, hydrogen and maritime technology.
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Sweden will focus on research, innovation and defence manufacturing. Saab is already setting up its first Carl-Gustaf manufacturing plant outside Sweden in Jhajjar. India and Sweden are also working on the Sweden-India Technology and AI Corridor covering areas such as 6G, AI and quantum computing.
Norway will host the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo. Maritime cooperation, renewable energy and Arctic research are expected to feature prominently during the visit.
Italy partnership gains momentum
PM Modi's final stop will be Italy, where he will meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni from May 19 to 21.
The visit comes after India and the European Union finalised a free trade agreement earlier this year. Italy has emerged as an important partner for India in manufacturing, logistics and supply-chain connectivity.
Bilateral trade between India and Italy reached USD 16.77 billion in 2025, while Tata Motors' acquisition of the Iveco Group marked one of the biggest Indian investments in Italy.
