PM Modi to embark on five-nation tour amid West Asia crisis, focus on energy and emerging technology

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a five-nation foreign tour from May 15 to May 20 amid rising global concerns over the ongoing West Asia crisis and its impact on energy markets, trade routes and economic stability.

According to reports, Modi will visit the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy as part of the diplomatic outreach. The visit is expected to focus on energy cooperation, emerging technologies, trade partnerships and strategic investments.

The tour comes at a time when India is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. India imports more than 80% of its crude oil requirements, making energy security a major concern amid fears of prolonged regional instability.

The UAE leg of the visit is expected to focus heavily on energy security and regional geopolitical developments. India has significantly expanded energy and investment ties with the Gulf nation over the past decade, making the relationship strategically important during periods of global oil market volatility.

During the Europe leg of the tour, discussions are expected to centre around emerging technologies, semiconductor partnerships, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and trade cooperation.

Reports said India is seeking deeper collaborations with European countries as it pushes to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on vulnerable supply chains.

The Netherlands and Nordic countries, particularly Sweden and Norway, are considered important partners in areas such as green technology, renewable energy, innovation and advanced manufacturing.

Italy is also expected to feature prominently in discussions linked to industrial cooperation, defence partnerships and technology investments.

The visit comes shortly after Prime Minister Modi urged citizens to use fuel carefully and avoid unnecessary consumption amid uncertainty in global energy markets caused by the West Asia conflict. The government has maintained that India currently has sufficient fuel reserves and there is no immediate shortage.

Officials quoted in reports said the Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, business executives and technology-sector representatives during the trip. Discussions may include clean energy investments, AI collaboration, semiconductor manufacturing and critical technology partnerships.

India has in recent years increased diplomatic focus on technology alliances and resilient energy partnerships as geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global trade and supply chains.

The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to release detailed schedules and official agreements related to the visit in the coming days.