NEW DELHI — May 15, 2026
PM Modi Embarks on Five-Nation Tour Focused on Energy Security and Strategic Partnerships
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Friday on a major five-nation diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships across the Middle East and Europe, with a strong focus on energy security, trade, technology and green development.
During the six-day visit, Modi will travel to the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
Indian officials said the tour is designed to deepen economic cooperation, expand investment opportunities and reinforce geopolitical partnerships amid shifting global economic and energy dynamics.
UAE Visit Opens High-Level Diplomatic Tour
Modi’s first stop will be Abu Dhabi, where he is scheduled to hold talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, discussions will focus on advancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which covers political, economic, cultural and people-to-people ties.
Officials said the visit is expected to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations between the two countries.
The UAE remains India’s third-largest trading partner and hosts more than 4.5 million Indian expatriates, making diaspora welfare another important topic during the visit.
Energy Security to Be Key Agenda Item
Energy cooperation is expected to dominate Modi’s UAE discussions.
Indian officials indicated that two significant agreements related to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and strategic petroleum reserves could be signed during the visit.
The agreements are viewed as part of India’s broader strategy to secure long-term energy supplies and reduce vulnerability to global energy market disruptions.
Foreign Ministry Secretary (West) Sibi George said the prime minister’s broader foreign tour reflects India’s increasing emphasis on energy resilience, innovation partnerships and economic cooperation.
Modi to Visit Netherlands for Second Official Trip
In the second phase of the tour, Modi will travel to the Netherlands, marking his second official visit to the country since 2017.
During the visit, he is expected to meet King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
Talks are expected to focus on technology cooperation, climate initiatives, innovation and trade expansion.
Sweden Talks to Focus on Innovation and Industry
Modi will then travel to Gothenburg in Sweden for bilateral discussions with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
The leaders are expected to explore new opportunities in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technology and industrial cooperation.
Modi and Kristersson will also jointly address the “European Round Table for Industry,” a major European business platform attended by senior industrial leaders.
Ursula von der Leyen is also expected to participate in the event.
India-Nordic Summit Scheduled in Norway
In the fourth leg of the trip, Modi will visit Norway on Monday to attend the third India-Nordic Summit.
The summit is expected to focus on sustainable development, Arctic cooperation, renewable energy, maritime partnerships and emerging technologies.
Modi is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.
Italy Visit to Conclude Diplomatic Tour
The final stage of the foreign visit will take Modi to Italy on Tuesday.
In Rome, the prime minister is scheduled to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and hold talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
India and Italy are expected to discuss trade, defense cooperation, clean energy partnerships and broader geopolitical coordination.
Tour Seen as Part of India’s Expanding Global Outreach
Analysts say the five-country visit reflects India’s growing diplomatic and economic engagement with key global partners amid rising geopolitical competition and global supply chain shifts.
The tour is also expected to strengthen India’s role in energy security discussions and emerging technology partnerships across Europe and the Gulf region.
