Abu Dhabi

Narendra Modi arrived in United Arab Emirates on Friday, beginning his five-nation diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening India’s strategic and economic partnerships across the Gulf and Europe.

As the Prime Minister’s aircraft entered UAE airspace, it was ceremonially escorted by UAE F-16 fighter jets before landing in Abu Dhabi, where he was accorded a guard of honour.

During the visit, Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders are expected to review bilateral cooperation, with a strong focus on energy security, trade, investment, and regional as well as global developments.

Ahead of the visit, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations described the tour as taking place at a crucial juncture for India’s economic engagement with Europe and the Gulf. FIEO said the high-level engagements could open fresh opportunities for Indian exporters in engineering, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, logistics, digital trade, and technology sectors.

Following the UAE leg, Modi will travel to the Netherlands, where he will meet Rob Jetten, as well as King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. Discussions there are expected to centre on semiconductors, green hydrogen, defence cooperation, innovation and water management.

READ MORE: Naima Khatoon, AMU's first woman VC is injecting dynamism in varsity's culture

The Prime Minister’s broader tour will also include visits to Sweden, Norway and Italy, underscoring India’s expanding engagement with both the Gulf region and Europe.