Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning after successfully concluding his five-nation diplomatic tour covering the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy from May 15 to 20. According to reports from PTI, the Prime Minister's final stop was Italy, where he held extensive talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and elevated bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership. In a post on X after concluding the Italy visit, PM Modi stated that his discussions with Meloni covered a wide range of sectors and would add new momentum to India-Italy cooperation. Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed that the visit to Italy is marked by significant outcomes, stating that the PM has departed for India after a successful visit to Italy marked by fresh momentum in deepening the Special Strategic Partnership with Italy.
The two leaders discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, revealed that the leaders agreed to deepen cooperation across sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, science and technology, research and innovation, energy, space, artificial intelligence, education, culture and people-to-people ties. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed during the visit in areas such as defence, connectivity, agriculture, traditional medicine, education, mobility and critical technologies. During the Italy visit, the two leaders reviewed progress in the implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 and agreed to further deepen and enrich bilateral cooperation, especially in areas including trade, investments, technology, defence, the blue economy, connectivity, education and people-to-people ties, among others. The visit also covered progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and regional connectivity initiatives.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both countries have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to Euro 20 billion by 2029, aided by the conclusion of India-European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations earlier this year. As reported by PTI, George further stated that both countries have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to Euro 20 billion by 2029, aided by the conclusion of India-European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations earlier this year. The visit concluded with PM Modi sharing glimpses of what became a widely discussed 'Melody moment,' where he gifted a packet of 'Melody' toffees to Meloni. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also lauded the visit, saying that Italy and India are closer than ever, and the relations are in a position to express their potential at the highest level, marking the pinnacle of a journey built with steadfastness and determination over the years.
Following his return from the tour, PM Modi is scheduled to chair a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Sewa Teerth in the national capital at 5 pm on Thursday, sources said. According to PTI, the meeting is expected to serve as an important midterm review of the government's performance and comes amid concerns over rising global fuel prices and energy security due to the ongoing West Asia conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders also discussed geopolitical developments and agreed to work on global issues of shared interest during their comprehensive discussions.
The final leg of the tour in Italy saw India and Italy elevate their bilateral relationship to a 'Special Strategic Partnership', with PM Modi holding extensive talks covering trade, defence, science and technology, energy, space, artificial intelligence, education, and connectivity. During the UAE leg, India signed major agreements related to long-term LPG supply arrangements and strategic petroleum reserves, with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company given permission to expand crude oil storage capacity in India to 30 million barrels, while the UAE announced investments worth USD 5 billion in India. The Netherlands visit saw India and the Netherlands sign 17 agreements covering defence cooperation, green hydrogen, and critical minerals, with PM Modi visiting the Afsluitdijk dam to study Dutch expertise in flood control and water management. In Sweden, India and Sweden elevated bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, with PM Modi addressing the European Round Table for Industry alongside Ursula von der Leyen and being conferred Sweden's prestigious Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross. The Norway visit marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, with PM Modi participating in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit and being awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, while discussing cooperation in green technology, artificial intelligence, climate initiatives, and innovation. In Rome, Modi was conferred with the FAO Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in recognition of his contribution to food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development.
