PM Modi to make UAE stopover before Europe tour
PM Modi to make UAE stopover before Europe tour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a four-nation tour of Europe from May 15-20.
The visit will include stops in the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. Trade, security cooperation, and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia will be major topics of discussion during this trip.
A brief stopover in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also planned.
UAE stopover to focus on energy security amid Iran-US tensions
The UAE stopover is seen as an opportunity for India to secure its energy supplies amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
The country is India's fifth-largest source of fuel, supplying nearly 6% of total crude imports. It is also the third-largest supplier of LPG and petroleum products.
During this stopover, PM Modi will meet UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to review bilateral relations and prepare for the upcoming BRICS Summit in September.
Strengthening bilateral ties in the Netherlands and Sweden
PM Modi's visit to the Netherlands will focus on strengthening bilateral ties in trade and the green economy. This will be his first in-person meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
In Sweden, the focus will be on enhancing collaboration in trade, innovation, and technology. The two countries have a joint action plan after hosting the first India-Nordic Summit in 2018.
Third India-Nordic Summit in Norway
The highlight of PM Modi's Europe tour will be the third India-Nordic Summit in Norway.
The summit will bring together leaders from India, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland to discuss green growth and sustainable development.
It was earlier scheduled for mid-May 2025 but was canceled due to geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Italy visit to focus on trade, security, and people-to-people ties
In Italy, PM Modi's visit will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, security, and people-to-people ties.
The proposed India-EU free trade agreement is likely to be discussed during this stopover.
The tour will also see discussions on disruptions in energy and supply chains due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.