New Delhi, May 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy from May 15 to May 20. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the purpose of this trip is to continuously strengthen India’s partnerships in areas such as energy, trade, investment, defense, and new technologies.
The journey will commence on May 15 in the United Arab Emirates, where the Prime Minister will meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since 2014, Modi has visited the UAE seven times, while Sheikh Mohammed has visited India five times, with his last trip occurring in January 2026, accompanied by next-generation leaders. This reflects the strong ties between the two nations, which have only grown over time.
Energy Security: Amid current global circumstances, the UAE remains India’s most reliable energy partner. Long-term supply agreements have bolstered India’s energy security. This visit will particularly focus on enhancing energy cooperation.
Trade, Investment, and Local Currency Payments: Bilateral trade between the two countries has surpassed $100 billion for the first time, reaching $101.25 billion in the fiscal year 2025-26. During Sheikh Mohammed’s visit to India in January 2026, both nations set a target to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032. The UAE is India’s seventh-largest investor, with a total of $25.19 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). A Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system is in place between India and the UAE, allowing transactions in rupees and dirhams, reducing reliance on the dollar and lowering transaction costs.
Welfare of the Indian Diaspora: The Indian expatriate community in the UAE is the largest foreign community there. They are the backbone of the UAE’s economy and society. Their welfare is crucial for both nations. Despite global economic challenges, this community continues to send remittances to India, benefiting the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
After the UAE, the Prime Minister will travel to the Netherlands. This marks his second visit to the Netherlands since 2017 and comes in the context of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Strategic and Geopolitical Context: Today, the Netherlands views India not just as a market but as a significant power. The Netherlands’ advanced technological ecosystem combined with India’s large-scale implementation capabilities creates a partnership model termed ‘innovation and large-scale use.’ This is particularly evident in sectors such as semiconductors, water management, hydrogen, and marine technology.
Importance of Trade, Investment, and the EU FTA: The Netherlands is India’s 11th largest trading partner globally and the third largest export market in Europe. In the fiscal year 2024-25, trade between the two countries reached $27.8 billion. The Netherlands is also India’s fourth-largest investor, with $55.6 billion in foreign investment, while India has invested $28 billion in the Netherlands. Over 300 companies operate between the two nations. The India-EU FTA is expected to further strengthen this partnership.
Semiconductor Cooperation: During this visit, a deal will be signed between Tata Electronics and ASML, which will provide essential equipment for the semiconductor factory being established in Dholera, Gujarat.
Energy Security and Clean Energy: The Prime Minister and the Dutch Prime Minister will jointly visit the Afsluitdijk dam, part of India-Netherlands cooperation focused on clean energy, water management, and sustainable fishing. The aim is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance energy security.
Mobility, Diaspora, and Tourism: Both countries are working to facilitate people-to-people mobility. The Prime Minister’s program will reach over 90,000 Indian expatriates and more than 200,000 Surinamese Hindustani community members, the largest Indian-origin community in mainland Europe. There is also significant potential for increasing tourism from the Netherlands to India.
Following the Netherlands, PM Modi will visit Sweden for the first time in eight years, having last traveled there in April 2018 during the inaugural India-Nordic Summit.
Strategic and Geopolitical Context: Sweden invests over three percent of its GDP in research and development (R&D) and consistently ranks among the top countries in the European Innovation Scoreboard. Sweden has taken significant steps to reduce dependence on China, such as removing Chinese companies from telecom networks and strengthening research security regulations. Consequently, Sweden now views India not just as a market but as a major global power.
Make in India, Trade, Investment, and the EU FTA’s Importance: By 2025, trade in goods and services between the two countries is expected to reach $7.75 billion. Over 280 Swedish companies operate in India. A key aspect of this visit will be a meeting with the European Round Table of Industrialists, which will strengthen partnerships with major European industries, especially following the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Defense and Critical Minerals: The Swedish company ‘Saab’ is establishing its first Carl-Gustaf weapon manufacturing factory outside India in Jhajjar, Haryana. This is India’s first defense project involving 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Additionally, Sweden is one of Europe’s major countries with critical mineral reserves, making India-Sweden cooperation vital for strengthening supply chains for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defense electronics.
Technology and Innovation: An agreement has been reached between India and Sweden for a ‘Sweden-India Technology’ and AI corridor, focusing on priorities such as 6G, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, life sciences, and Digital India. The AI Impact Summit will also be a significant part of this collaboration.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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