PM Modi returned to Delhi after completing a five-nation diplomatic tour focused on energy security, trade expansion, strategic partnerships, green technology, and global cooperation with European and West Asian nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning after successfully concluding a five-nation diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening India’s strategic, economic, and technological partnerships with key global allies.
The overseas visit, which began on May 15 in the United Arab Emirates and concluded on May 20 in Italy, also included high-level engagements in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway. The multi-nation visit focused heavily on energy cooperation, trade expansion, advanced technology partnerships, and climate-related collaboration.
During his visit to the UAE, India secured crucial agreements related to long-term LPG supply arrangements and strategic petroleum reserves. The discussions reflected India’s continuing efforts to ensure energy security amid rising global demand and geopolitical uncertainty. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company was also granted permission to expand its crude oil storage capacity in India to 30 million barrels, marking a major step in bilateral energy cooperation.
In addition, the UAE announced investments worth USD 5 billion in India across multiple sectors. Officials described the agreements as a major boost to India-UAE economic relations and long-term strategic cooperation.
The Prime Minister’s next destination was the Netherlands, where India signed 17 agreements covering defence collaboration, critical minerals, green hydrogen, and emerging technologies. The visit highlighted growing cooperation between the two countries in sustainable development and innovation-driven sectors.
PM Modi also visited the famous Afsluitdijk dam to study Dutch expertise in flood management and water control systems. The visit reflected India’s interest in adopting advanced climate-resilient infrastructure and water management technologies.
In Sweden, PM Modi held bilateral talks aimed at deepening cooperation in technology, innovation, and clean energy. India and Sweden elevated their relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership, signaling closer political and economic engagement between the two nations.
The Prime Minister also addressed the European Round Table for Industry alongside Ursula von der Leyen, where discussions focused on industrial cooperation, supply chain resilience, digital transformation, and green transition initiatives. During the visit, Sweden conferred upon PM Modi the prestigious “Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross” in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
The Norway visit marked another important diplomatic milestone, as it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years. In Oslo, PM Modi participated in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit alongside leaders from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden.
The summit discussions centered on green technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, maritime cooperation, and innovation partnerships. Norway also honoured PM Modi with the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, reflecting the strengthening ties between India and the Nordic region.
The final leg of the tour took place in Italy, where India and Italy upgraded bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership. Both nations set an ambitious target to expand bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029.
India and Italy signed agreements covering agriculture, financial crime prevention, and the mobility of Indian healthcare professionals. PM Modi also held extensive discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on expanding cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a major connectivity initiative aimed at enhancing trade and infrastructure links across regions.
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The five-nation diplomatic outreach highlighted India’s growing role in global affairs and its focus on building stronger partnerships across Europe and West Asia. The tour also reinforced India’s priorities in energy security, climate cooperation, advanced technology, innovation, and strategic economic engagement with key international partners.
