New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday landed in the national capital, returning from a five-nation tour during which he signed pacts on energy, defence, and critical minerals.
The prime minister embarked on his tour on May 15, visiting the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy over a course of several days.
In the UAE, India signed a series of landmark pacts spanning strategic petroleum reserves, long-term LPG supply, defence and shipping, with Abu Dhabi pledging investments totalling USD 5 billion in India.
A meeting between Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took place against the backdrop of tensions still in West Asia.During his visit to the Netherlands, India inked 17 agreements to boost cooperation in defence, critical minerals and other key sectors. The two countries also elevated their ties to a strategic partnership after a talk between Modi and Rob Jetten, his Dutch counterpart.The two prime ministers expressed their concern over the situation in West Asia, especially its implications for the region and beyond, caused by a fractured oil supply.
In the successive leg of the tour, India and Sweden agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership.
Modi and his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, discussed trade, technology, defence, and other key areas in a meeting.