Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a five-nation tour, departing from Delhi on Friday with the United Arab Emirates as his first stop.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister will visit five countries over six days, including the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
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UAE visit set against volatile regional backdrop
The UAE visit comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with the region impacted by ongoing geopolitical conflict involving Iran and Israel.
On May 15, the Prime Minister will make a brief stop in the UAE before continuing to Europe.
During his visit, PM Modi will meet UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Both leaders are expected to discuss key bilateral issues, including energy cooperation, as well as regional and global developments of mutual interest.
UAE eyes deeper trade and tech partnership with India
Ahead of the visit, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy said both countries are working to significantly expand economic ties.
She noted that India and the UAE have already crossed the $100 billion trade milestone under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and aim to scale it up to $200 billion.
She also highlighted growing collaboration in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, supercomputing and infrastructure, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
"PM Modi a true treasure": UAE Minister Reem Al Hashimy hails "mountain top" partnership ahead of landmark visit
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) May 14, 2026
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/r7fabf7Vvl#pmnarendramodi #ReemAlHashimy #straitofhormuzcrisis pic.twitter.com/vD2Z2wtgi2
UAE signals strong tech cooperation push
Al Hashimy said science and technology will be central to future economic growth, adding that AI has become a key pillar of bilateral cooperation.
She emphasised that India and the UAE are actively exploring joint projects in advanced technologies, noting India’s strong capability and innovation ecosystem.
UAE calls PM Modi’s visit a symbol of strong ties
Describing the Prime Minister as a “key figure of friendship,” Al Hashimy said the UAE was looking forward to welcoming him.
She added that frequent high-level engagements between PM Modi and the UAE leadership reflect the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
