New Delhi, May 21
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today returned to India after a five-nation tour that focused on energy security, defence cooperation and critical minerals partnerships. Modi visited the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy between 15 and 21 May, holding talks with leaders and signing a series of agreements aimed at deepening strategic ties.
In the UAE, India signed deals covering strategic petroleum reserves, long-term LPG supply, defence and shipping. Abu Dhabi also pledged investments worth $5bn in India. Modi held talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan amid continuing tensions in West Asia.
During his visit to the Netherlands, India signed 17 agreements in areas including defence and critical minerals. The two countries also upgraded relations to a strategic partnership following talks between Modi and Dutch leader Rob Jetten.
In Sweden, India and Sweden elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with discussions focusing on trade, defence, technology and artificial intelligence. Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also unveiled a roadmap covering innovation, critical minerals and cultural exchanges.
At the India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, Modi met the leaders of Iceland, Finland and Denmark to discuss clean energy, sustainability and digital cooperation.
India and Norway also announced a Green Strategic Partnership after talks between Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. The discussions included climate resilience, green shipping, Arctic research and regional conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.
In the final leg of the trip, Modi visited Italy, where he held talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two countries agreed to elevate ties to a special strategic partnership.
During the tour, Modi was awarded Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star and Norway’s Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. In Rome, he also received the Agricola Medal from the Food and Agriculture Organization for his contribution to food security and sustainable agriculture.
