Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning after completing a five-nation diplomatic tour covering the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The visit, which began on May 15 in the UAE and concluded on May 20 in Italy, focused on strengthening India’s strategic, economic, and energy partnerships with key global regions.
The tour was centred on expanding India’s long-term cooperation in areas such as energy security, critical infrastructure, technology, and climate-focused development. In the United Arab Emirates, India secured agreements aimed at ensuring stable LPG supplies and enhancing strategic petroleum reserves. The UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil Company also received approval to expand crude storage capacity in India up to 30 million barrels, alongside investment commitments reportedly worth USD 5 billion, reflecting deepening energy ties between the two countries.
In the Netherlands, India signed 17 agreements spanning defence cooperation, green hydrogen, and critical mineral resources, marking a broadening of bilateral engagement into emerging sectors. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi also toured the Afsluitdijk dam to study Dutch expertise in flood control and water management systems, underscoring India’s interest in advanced climate resilience infrastructure. The agreements were aimed at strengthening long-term technological and environmental collaboration.
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The Prime Minister’s visit to Sweden from May 17–18 elevated India-Sweden relations to a Strategic Partnership, with both sides committing to enhanced cooperation in innovation and sustainable development. Modi also addressed the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. During the visit, he was conferred Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star, recognising his role in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding India’s engagement with European economies.
In Norway, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in 43 years and participated in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo. Discussions with leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden focused on green technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development cooperation. He was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, highlighting the diplomatic significance of the visit.
The final leg of the tour in Italy saw both countries upgrade their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership, with a target to expand bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029. Agreements were signed covering agriculture, financial crime prevention, and mobility of Indian healthcare professionals. Discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also advanced cooperation on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The tour as a whole underscored India’s expanding global diplomatic footprint, with strong emphasis on energy security, trade expansion, climate action, and technology collaboration.
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