Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday after concluding his five-nation diplomatic tour covering the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The week-long visit focused on strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in areas such as trade, energy, technology, defence and green development.
The final leg of the tour took place in Italy, where PM Modi held bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Both nations agreed to elevate India-Italy relations to a “Special Strategic Partnership,” aimed at boosting cooperation in sectors including artificial intelligence, critical minerals, clean energy, space and infrastructure development.
During his Italy visit, Modi also met Italian President Sergio Mattarella and visited the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization, where he received the prestigious FAO Agricola Medal. He and Meloni also participated in a symbolic tree plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Earlier in the tour, India and the UAE signed several agreements related to strategic petroleum reserves, LPG supply, shipping and investment cooperation. Abu Dhabi also announced investment commitments worth nearly USD 5 billion in India.
In the Netherlands, India and the Dutch government agreed to deepen cooperation in semiconductors, green hydrogen, quantum technology and defence. The two countries also unveiled a strategic roadmap to expand economic and technological ties.
The Prime Minister’s visits to Sweden and Norway were marked by discussions on innovation, sustainability and clean technology. In Norway, Modi attended the India-Nordic Summit and was conferred the country’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the tour as “productive and successful,” highlighting India’s growing diplomatic engagement with Europe and West Asia. Officials said the visit helped reinforce India’s role as a key global partner in trade, technology and geopolitical cooperation.
