While visiting the United Arab Emirates as part of his multi-nation diplomatic tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to focus on energy security and reach important agreements.
Indian and UAE officials have indicated that two important memorandums of understanding (MoUs) pertaining to strategic petroleum reserves and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply are imminently on the horizon. Amid uncertainties in global supply, these agreements will help India become more energy resilient in the long run.
In order to decrease exposure to geopolitical risk and ensure stable hydrocarbon flows from the Gulf region, discussions are currently taking place regarding the development of alternative energy transit routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Energy ties, along with regional and global strategic issues, are likely to occupy a central position during Modi’s meeting with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the UAE leg, where bilateral cooperation is expected to be advanced.
Modi will be touring Europe for six days, visiting five nations, starting with the United Arab Emirates. After that, he’ll head to the Netherlands to meet with the royal family and have discussions with Prime Minister Rob Jetten about strengthening ties between the two countries.
During his meeting with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, Modi will push for more collaboration in fast-growing areas including green transition, AI, upcoming tech, startups, and resilient supply chains.
To further demonstrate India’s growing involvement in European business ecosystems, the leaders will join Ursula von der Leyen at the European Round Table for Industry.
The fourth leg of the journey involves going to Norway to take part in the India-Nordic Summit, where the two sides will be working to improve their cooperation in the areas of innovation, sustainability, renewable energy, defence, and Arctic policy.
Modi will meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his last stop in Italy, and he will also visit the FAO headquarters.
As a whole, the trip highlights India’s strategy of strengthening economic and technological ties throughout Europe while simultaneously ensuring the security of vital energy supplies.
Image Credit: The National
