Strategic Reserve Play: High-Stakes Energy MoUs To Be Signed During PM Modi’s UAE Visit, Sources Tell News18

Last Updated:May 13, 2026, 20:15 IST

The Prime Minister will embark on a high-velocity six-day itinerary beginning Friday, traversing the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy

In a comprehensive diplomatic briefing on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) detailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming five-nation tour, framing it as a vital mission to fortify India’s economic, energy, and defence interests. Addressing the media in New Delhi, Secretary (West) Sibi George and Secretary (ER) Aseem Mahajan confirmed that the Prime Minister will embark on a high-velocity six-day itinerary beginning Friday, traversing the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.

Securing the Energy Lifeline and Strategic Reserves in Abu Dhabi

The tour begins on May 15 in the UAE, where the Prime Minister will engage in restricted bilateral sessions with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Following the President’s visit to India in January and the Crown Prince’s recent participation in the AI Impact Summit, this meeting aims to further deepen bilateral ties. Secretary George emphasised that discussions will centre on energy cooperation and regional stability.

Crucially, sources indicate that two landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of LPG and Strategic Petroleum Reserves are likely to be concluded. When questioned about the UAE’s recent OPEC exit and pipeline developments, the MEA noted that further briefings would follow as discussions proceed. The visit underscores the UAE’s role as a cornerstone of India’s energy security amidst 2026’s global market fluctuations.

The European Tech Gambit: Semiconductors and Innovation

From May 15-17, PM Modi will make his second official visit to the Netherlands to meet with the King and the Prime Minister. With 3,500 Indian students and a 90,000-strong diaspora, the partnership has deepened in agriculture and health. However, Secretary George identified semiconductors as a paramount area of modern cooperation. The Prime Minister is also slated to address the Indian community and engage with top Dutch business leaders.

The momentum continues in Sweden, marking the PM’s second visit to the innovative economy. As the Chief Guest at the European Round Table, the Prime Minister will focus on trade, green transition, and emerging technologies like AI. Secretary George highlighted that space collaboration and people-to-people ties remain central to the Stockholm leg of the journey.

The Nordic Summit and the Norwegian Frontier

A historic highlight is the Prime Minister’s arrival in Oslo, marking the first visit by an Indian leader to Norway in over 40 years. Secretary Mahajan noted the burgeoning space cooperation, specifically citing ISRO’s antenna installations in Norway. The visit coincides with the Third India-Nordic Summit, where PM Modi will hold crucial bilateral side meetings with the leaders of Denmark and Iceland. India views the Nordic bloc as essential partners for the “Make in India" initiative, particularly in the wake of the operationalised EFTA-TEPA trade agreement.

Italy: A Growing Pillar of Defence and Security

The tour concludes in Italy at the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Secretary Mahajan identified Defence and Security as a newly emerged strong pillar of the strategic partnership. Following the Italian Defence Minister’s recent visit to India, both nations have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to conclude a strategic defence partnership.

The talks will likely focus on defence co-production, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. With 6,000 Indian students currently in Italy, the Prime Minister will also interact with a select group of Indian and Italian CEOs to bolster commercial ties. By the time the Prime Minister returns on May 20, the government intends to have secured a series of multisectoral guarantees spanning from the Arctic to the Arabian Gulf.

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