Modi to Visit UAE, Europe on Five-Nation Tour Amid Oil Price Concerns

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-nation tour from May 15 to 20, covering the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, as rising tensions in the Middle East continue to push global oil prices higher. India’s foreign ministry said the visit will focus on strengthening diplomatic, economic and energy partnerships with key international allies.

The visit comes as India faces mounting economic pressure from surging crude oil prices, which have strained the country’s foreign exchange reserves and weakened the rupee. Modi recently called for austerity measures, including reduced fuel consumption, lower imports, fewer gold purchases and cuts in non-essential travel, amid concerns over inflation and a widening current account deficit.

During the UAE leg of the trip, Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan are expected to discuss energy cooperation and regional developments. The European portion of the tour will focus on expanding trade and investment ties following the India-European Union trade agreement reached earlier this year.

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