Modi to visit UAE and four European Nations from May 15, focus on energy, trade and strategic partnerships
New Delhi, May 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-nation tour beginning May 15, covering the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, with the 3rd India-Nordic Summit scheduled in Oslo.
The visit is aimed at strengthening India’s strategic, economic and technology partnerships across West Asia and Europe, with a strong focus on energy security, trade, investment, innovation, green transition and resilient supply chains.
UAE visit to prioritise energy ties and diaspora welfare
The Prime Minister’s first stop will be the UAE, where he will hold talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions are expected to centre on energy cooperation, trade and investment, and advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and has been a significant source of investment over the past 25 years. With more than 4.5 million Indians living in the Emirates, diaspora welfare will also feature prominently in the discussions.
Netherlands visit to boost innovation and water partnership
From May 15 to 17, Prime Minister Modi will travel to the Netherlands at the invitation of Prime Minister Rob Jetten. This will be his second visit to the country since 2017. He is scheduled to call on King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, and hold bilateral talks with his Dutch counterpart.
The visit comes amid expanding cooperation in defence, security, semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation and the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership on Water. The Netherlands is among India’s top European trade destinations, with bilateral trade valued at $27.8 billion in 2024-25, and is India’s fourth-largest investor with cumulative FDI of $55.6 billion.
Sweden leg to focus on green transition, AI and industry outreach
On May 17-18, the Prime Minister will visit Gothenburg, Sweden, where he will hold talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The two leaders will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, with emphasis on green transition, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, startups, defence, space and climate action.
Both leaders will also jointly address the European Round Table for Industry alongside Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Bilateral trade between India and Sweden has reached $7.75 billion in 2025, with Swedish FDI into India touching $2.825 billion since 2000.
Norway visit and India-Nordic Summit in Oslo
Prime Minister Modi will travel to Norway from May 18 to 19, marking his first visit to the country and the first Indian prime ministerial visit there in over four decades. He will call on King Harald V and Queen Sonja, and hold talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The leaders will also address the India-Norway Business and Research Summit.
The visit coincides with the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19, where the Prime Ministers of Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden will join Prime Minister Modi. The summit will deepen cooperation in technology, renewable energy, sustainability, blue economy, defence, space and Arctic affairs. India’s trade with Nordic countries stood at $19 billion in 2024.
Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global has invested nearly $28 billion in Indian capital markets, and both sides are expected to explore opportunities arising from the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.
Italy visit to consolidate Joint Strategic Action Plan
In the final leg from May 19 to 20, Prime Minister Modi will visit Italy at the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He will call on President Sergio Mattarella and hold talks with Meloni.
The visit takes place against the backdrop of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 being implemented by both sides. Bilateral trade reached $16.77 billion in 2025, while cumulative Italian FDI into India stands at $3.66 billion. Discussions are expected to cover defence, clean energy, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people ties.
Strengthening India’s European engagement
Overall, the multi-nation tour is expected to significantly deepen India’s engagement with Europe and the Gulf region, particularly in the context of the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement and the India-EFTA trade pact, while reinforcing partnerships in energy security, green growth, advanced technologies and investment flows.
