PM Modi Concludes Five-Nation Diplomatic Tour, Returns to New Delhi After Strengthening Global Partnerships

New Delhi, May 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to the national capital on Thursday morning after completing a high-profile five-nation diplomatic tour covering the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The visit, which began on May 15 and concluded on May 20, is being viewed as a significant push to deepen India’s global strategic, economic, and technological partnerships.

The tour focused on strengthening long-term cooperation in key sectors such as energy security, advanced technology, climate action, and trade expansion with both West Asian and European partners.

UAE visit strengthens energy and investment ties

The Prime Minister’s first stop was the UAE, where India secured important agreements aimed at ensuring long-term LPG supply and reinforcing strategic petroleum reserves. A key development included permission for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to expand crude storage capacity in India to 30 million barrels. The UAE also announced investment commitments worth USD 5 billion, reinforcing its position as one of India’s key economic partners.

Netherlands cooperation expands to defence and green energy

In the Netherlands, India signed 17 agreements covering sectors including defence cooperation, critical minerals, and green hydrogen development. During the visit, PM Modi also visited the Afsluitdijk dam to study Dutch expertise in water management and flood control systems—an area of interest for India’s climate resilience planning.

Sweden visit elevates strategic partnership

During his May 17–18 visit to Sweden, India and Sweden upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. PM Modi addressed the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting India’s growing role in global manufacturing and innovation.

He was also conferred Sweden’s prestigious “Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross,” recognising his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.

Norway visit marks historic milestone

On May 19, PM Modi arrived in Norway, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. In Oslo, he participated in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit, where leaders from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden discussed cooperation in green technology, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence.

During the visit, PM Modi was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, reflecting deepening ties between India and the Nordic region.

Italy visit advances strategic cooperation

The final leg of the tour was in Italy, where India and Italy upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership. Both countries set an ambitious target of expanding bilateral trade to €20 billion by 2029.

The two sides signed agreements in areas including agriculture, prevention of financial crime, and facilitating the mobility of Indian healthcare professionals to Italy. High-level discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also advanced cooperation on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a key infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing global connectivity.

Strengthening India’s global footprint

The five-nation tour underscored India’s expanding diplomatic outreach and its focus on building resilient partnerships across regions. The engagements highlighted India’s priorities in securing energy resources, advancing technological collaboration, addressing climate challenges, and boosting trade and investment flows.

Officials said the visit reflects India’s growing influence in shaping global economic and strategic conversations, with a clear emphasis on long-term cooperation and sustainable development.