NEW DELHI, May 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday after concluding an extensive five-nation diplomatic tour that focused on strengthening India’s strategic, economic and technological partnerships with key global countries.
The visit, which began on May 15, covered the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. During the multi country engagement, India signed several agreements related to energy security, defence cooperation, critical minerals, clean technology and digital innovation.
In Abu Dhabi, India and the UAE finalized major agreements covering strategic petroleum reserves, long-term LPG supply, shipping and defence collaboration. The UAE also announced investments worth nearly USD 5 billion in India across multiple sectors.
Prime Minister Modi held detailed talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and disruptions in global energy supplies.
During the Netherlands visit, India signed 17 agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in defence production, critical minerals, trade and advanced technologies. India and the Netherlands also upgraded bilateral relations to a strategic partnership following discussions between Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
Both sides expressed concern over instability in West Asia and its impact on global oil markets and supply chains.
In Sweden, India elevated ties with Stockholm to a strategic partnership after talks between Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The two countries announced a roadmap focusing on artificial intelligence, innovation, critical minerals, defence cooperation and cultural exchanges.
At the India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, Modi held separate bilateral meetings with the prime ministers of Iceland, Finland and Denmark to discuss trade, clean energy, sustainability and digital transformation.
India and Norway also launched a Green Strategic Partnership following talks between Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. The discussions focused on climate resilience, renewable energy, Arctic research, blue economy initiatives and green shipping technology.
In the final leg of the PM Modi five-nation tour, the Prime Minister visited Rome where he held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Both countries agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership with increased cooperation in trade, defence and innovation sectors.
The tour also witnessed international recognition for Modi’s diplomatic and developmental efforts. Sweden honoured him with the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross, while Norway conferred its highest civilian award, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.
In Rome, Modi was presented the FAO Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organization for his contribution to food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development initiatives.
Officials described the visit as a significant diplomatic outreach aimed at deepening India’s global engagement and expanding partnerships across strategic and emerging sectors.