Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Abu Dhabi on Friday, beginning his five-nation tour scheduled from May 15 to 20. The visit will include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, with the objective of strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in areas such as trade, technology, energy, innovation, and green development, while expanding India’s engagement with both Europe and the Gulf region. Ahead of the trip, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) described the visit as taking place at a “crucial juncture,” noting that it is likely to provide fresh momentum to India’s trade and investment relations with Europe and the Gulf. The body also highlighted that the high-level engagements could unlock new opportunities for Indian exporters in sectors including engineering, clean energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, textiles, logistics, and digital commerce.

FIEO President S C Ralhan stated that the Prime Minister’s meetings with leaders of the UAE and European nations reflect India’s rising position as a trusted global economic partner and an important contributor to worldwide growth. He added that the visit is expected to open significant avenues for Indian businesses across multiple industries such as clean energy, food processing, engineering, and digital trade. The tour begins in the UAE on May 15, where PM Modi is expected to meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in energy, trade, investment, and regional matters of shared interest, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

FIEO noted that the UAE remains a key trade and investment partner for India and serves as an important gateway for Indian exports to the Middle East and Africa. UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy praised PM Modi’s leadership and expressed optimism that bilateral relations would reach new levels in trade and technology cooperation. Following the UAE visit, the Prime Minister will travel to the Netherlands (May 15–17), where he will meet Prime Minister Rob Jetten and the Dutch royal family. Talks are expected to focus on semiconductors, renewable energy, innovation, defence, and water management.

He will then visit Sweden on May 17–18 for bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Both leaders are also expected to address the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, green transition, and resilient supply chains.

On May 19, PM Modi will attend the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, Norway, where he will hold talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and interact with leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. The summit is expected to enhance cooperation in sustainable development, technology, and innovation. FIEO emphasized that growing India-Nordic ties could create new opportunities for startups and businesses while supporting India’s shift toward sustainable growth. The organisation also pointed out that recent agreements such as the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and India-EFTA TEPA add further importance to the visit.

PM Modi will visit Italy from May 19–20 for discussions with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella, with a focus on clean energy, defence, and technology cooperation. Business engagements like the European Round Table for Industry and the India-Norway Business and Research Summit are also expected to boost investor confidence and strengthen industrial partnerships. The tour is seen as a major step toward deepening India’s economic and strategic relations with Europe and the Gulf region, especially in light of expanding global trade and investment ties.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.