PM Modi embarks on 5-nation tour to deepen India's strategic ties — what's on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday departed for the UAE as part of his five-nation tour from May 15 to May 20. After the UAE, the Prime Minister will also visit the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.The visit is expected to reinforce India’s growing engagement with Europe and the Gulf region amid evolving geopolitical and economic ties.PM Modi will begin his five-nation tour with a visit to the United Arab Emirates on May 15, where he is scheduled to hold talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.According to ministry of external Affairs, discussions are expected to focus on energy cooperation, trade, investment and regional issues of mutual interest.UAE minister of state for international cooperation Reem Al Hashimy described PM Modi as a “true treasure” for the leadership and people of the Emirates, saying bilateral ties are set to scale “new mountain tops” in trade and technology.Speaking to ANI, Al Hashimy 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.She added that the visit would build on regular high-level engagements following the UAE President’s trip to India in January and the Crown Prince’s participation in the AI Summit in February.Following his visit to the United Arab Emirates, PM Modi will travel to the Netherlands from May 15 to 17, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Dutch prime minister Rob Jetten and meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. Discussions are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defence and water management.PM Modi will then visit Sweden on May 17-18 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. Talks are likely to centre on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, green transition and resilient supply chains.In Norway, the Prime Minister will participate in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19 and hold bilateral discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden are also expected to attend the summit.PM Modi’s visit is expected to further strengthen India’s partnership with Europe across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on expanding trade and investment ties following the recent conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.