Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a multi-nation tour this week, starting in the United Arab Emirates before travelling to four European countries, including Norway, where he is scheduled to attend a bilateral summit, officials said on Monday.
Modi will arrive in the UAE on Friday, the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement. The visit comes as the country hosts a large Indian community of about 4.5 million people.
During his stop in the UAE, Modi will meet President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with energy cooperation expected to be a key focus. The talks come amid global supply disruptions linked to the Middle East war.
“The visit will serve to promote the significant trade and investment linkages between the two countries,, the ministry said.
Following the UAE leg, Modi will travel to the Netherlands from May 15 to 17, marking his second visit to the country since 2017. Discussions are expected to cover defense, semiconductors and what officials described as a strategic partnership on water.
The ministry said the visit, early in the tenure of the new Dutch government, would provide an opportunity to deepen and expand ties between the two countries.
Bilateral trade between India and the Netherlands, described as India’s fourth-largest European investor, stood at $27.8 billion last year.
Modi will then visit Sweden on May 17 for a two-day trip, where he will hold talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Both leaders are expected to address the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, according to the statement.
The discussions are aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas including defence and security, as well as clean energy and technology, while also seeking to boost trade.
The Middle East conflict has added pressure on India’s economy, with Modi on Sunday urging the country’s population of 1.4 billion to reduce petrol and diesel consumption amid supply disruptions.