New Delhi, May 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning after completing a high-profile diplomatic tour of five countries. His journey included visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
The tour commenced on May 15 in the UAE and concluded on May 20 in Italy. This visit was deemed significant, aimed at strengthening India’s global partnerships.
Key objectives of the trip included ensuring long-term energy supply, enhancing technological collaboration, and bolstering India’s economic and strategic ties with countries in Europe and West Asia.
In the UAE, India signed crucial agreements to secure long-term LPG supply and strengthen its strategic petroleum reserves. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company was permitted to increase its crude oil storage capacity in India to 30 million barrels. Additionally, the UAE pledged an investment of $5 billion in India.
India and the Netherlands signed 17 agreements related to defense cooperation, critical minerals, and green hydrogen initiatives. During this visit, Prime Minister Modi also toured the Afsluitdijk dam to understand the Netherlands’ expertise in flood control and water management systems.
During his visit to Sweden from May 17 to 18, India elevated bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership. Prime Minister Modi addressed the European Round Table for Industry alongside Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
On May 19, Modi arrived in Norway, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years. He participated in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, where leaders from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden discussed collaboration in areas such as green technology and artificial intelligence.
In Italy, both nations strengthened their ties by designating a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ and set a target to increase trade to €20 billion by 2029. Agreements were also reached concerning agriculture, financial crime prevention, and the mobility of Indian healthcare professionals in Italy. High-level discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also advanced cooperation on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
This tour reflects India’s growing diplomatic engagement, with a strong emphasis on energy security, innovation, climate cooperation, and trade expansion.
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