Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin a five-nation tour starting today, focusing on enhancing India’s strategic partnerships in various sectors including trade, technology, energy, and innovation. The visit, scheduled from May 15 to May 20, 2026, will cover the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, reflecting India’s growing engagement with Europe and the Gulf region.

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) highlighted that this visit comes at a crucial juncture for India’s economic relationships, particularly with Europe and the Gulf. They anticipate that high-level discussions will lead to new opportunities for Indian exporters across multiple sectors.

FIEO President S C Ralhan emphasised the significance of these high-level meetings, which are expected to foster opportunities in areas such as engineering, clean energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, textiles, logistics, and digital trade.

Engagement in the UAE and the Netherlands

Prime Minister Modi will initiate his tour in the UAE, where he is scheduled to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Ministry of External Affairs indicated that discussions will centre on topics like energy cooperation, trade, investment, and regional matters of mutual concern.

According to FIEO, the UAE stands as one of India’s most crucial trade and investment partners, serving as a key gateway for Indian exports to the broader Middle East and Africa. The upcoming discussions are expected to bolster economic relations, especially in energy, infrastructure, and service trade.

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy, remarked that Prime Minister Modi is highly regarded by the Emirates, and she expressed optimism that this visit will enhance the bilateral relationship further. This meeting follows earlier high-level engagements over recent months.

Activities in Sweden, Norway, and Italy

Following his UAE visit, Modi will travel to the Netherlands from May 15 to May 17. During this time, he is expected to engage with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Major topics for discussion are anticipated to include semiconductors, green technology, and defence.

From May 17 to May 18, he will proceed to Sweden to meet Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. They plan to jointly address the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with discussions likely focusing on AI, emerging technologies, and sustainable trade practices.

On May 19, Modi will attend the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, where he will hold discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. This portion of the visit underscores the growing convergence in strategic interests between India and Nordic countries.

Potential for Trade and Investment Growth

FIEO noted the increasing significance of the Prime Minister’s engagements in Europe, particularly in light of the recently completed India-EU Free Trade Agreement and the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. They foresee these discussions as enhancing cooperation in sectors crucial for future economic collaboration.

As Modi concludes his tour in Italy from May 19 to May 20, he will meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella. This leg of the visit aims to advance partnerships in clean energy, defence, and technology.

FIEO reported that India’s bilateral trade with the nations included in the tour exceeds $70 billion, and investments from these areas into India have been on the rise. The visit is expected to catalyse further trade and investment opportunities, enhancing India’s global footprint in commerce.

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