PM Modi begins 6 day UAE and Europe Tour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a six-day diplomatic visit to the United Arab Emirates and four European nations, including the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, with a focus on strengthening bilateral ties, energy cooperation and strategic partnerships amid rising geopolitical tensions.
PM Modi’s first stop will be the UAE, where he is scheduled to hold talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reviewing the evolving situation in West Asia.
According to official sources, India and the UAE are likely to finalise two major agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and strategic petroleum reserves. The visit is being viewed as crucial for strengthening India’s long-term energy security.
The high-level trip comes shortly after the UAE announced its exit from OPEC, the influential organisation of major oil-exporting countries. Analysts believe the development could open fresh opportunities for India to secure long-term crude oil and LNG supply arrangements with the Gulf nation.
Former Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sanjay Sudhir described the visit as highly significant in the backdrop of the ongoing crisis in West Asia. He said discussions may include increasing LPG and LNG supplies as well as expanding energy cooperation between Indian and Emirati firms.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have raised global concerns over energy supply chains and crude oil transportation. The region remains critical for India’s energy imports, making PM Modi’s visit strategically important.
During the European leg of the tour, PM Modi is also expected to focus on trade, defence and mobility partnerships. The visit follows India’s recently concluded Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the European Union, which PM Modi earlier described as “historic”.
The Prime Minister’s multi-nation visit is aimed at strengthening India’s diplomatic outreach and economic partnerships at a time of global geopolitical uncertainty.
