Abu Dhabi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in United Arab Emirates on Friday, marking the first leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour from May 15 to 20, during which he will also visit the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.

As his aircraft entered UAE airspace, it was escorted by UAE Air Force F-16 fighter jets in a ceremonial gesture, underscoring the warmth in bilateral ties. Upon landing in Abu Dhabi, the Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour.

During the UAE leg of the visit, Modi is scheduled to hold talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions are expected to focus on energy security, trade, investment, and regional developments, particularly amid continuing volatility in West Asia and disruptions to global energy supply chains. Official briefings from India’s Ministry of External Affairs said both leaders will also review progress under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Following the UAE visit, Modi will travel to the Netherlands for talks with Dutch leadership on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation and water management, before heading to Sweden and Norway for high-level engagements on emerging technologies, resilient supply chains and the India-Nordic partnership. The final leg of the tour will take him to Italy for discussions on clean energy, defence and technology cooperation.

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The visit assumes added significance as India seeks to secure energy supplies and strengthen strategic partnerships amid the ongoing geopolitical crisis in West Asia. Reuters reported that long-term crude oil, LNG supply arrangements and strategic petroleum cooperation are expected to feature prominently in the UAE talks.