EnergySecurity – Modi’s Overseas Tour Focuses on Trade, Energy and Europe Relations
EnergySecurity – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin a five-nation overseas tour from May 15, with the visit expected to strengthen India’s economic and strategic engagement with key partners in Europe and the Gulf region. The trip, which includes stops in the United Arab Emirates and Italy, comes at a time when India is expanding its global partnerships in areas such as energy security, trade, technology and investment.
UAE Visit Highlights India’s Energy Priorities
The UAE is expected to be the first destination of the Prime Minister’s visit, underlining the importance of the Gulf nation in India’s long-term energy planning. Over the years, the UAE has emerged as one of India’s most dependable energy suppliers, supporting the country’s growing demand for crude oil, liquefied natural gas and cooking fuel.
Recent official figures show that the UAE supplied nearly 11 percent of India’s crude oil imports last year, making it the country’s fourth-largest oil source. It also remains among the top LNG suppliers to India through long-term agreements signed between Indian firms and ADNOC Gas. These agreements ensure steady LNG deliveries of around 4.5 million metric tonnes annually.
The energy partnership extends beyond imports. India is also a major buyer of petroleum products exported from the UAE, while Indian refiners have increased shipments of petroleum, oil and lubricant products to the Gulf nation. Trade in the energy sector between the two countries has continued to expand in both directions.
Indian Companies Expand Presence in UAE Energy Sector
Energy cooperation between India and the UAE has moved into investment and exploration projects as well. Indian public sector companies have invested over USD 1 billion in oil assets located in Abu Dhabi.
In recent years, Indian firms including ONGC Videsh Limited, Bharat PetroResources Limited and Indian Oil Corporation secured stakes in offshore and onshore oil blocks in the UAE. Earlier this year, Bharat PetroResources confirmed an oil discovery in one of the Abu Dhabi blocks where Indian participation had been established through a joint venture project.
The UAE also became the first foreign country to participate in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve initiative. An agreement signed between ADNOC and Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited allows crude oil storage at the Mangalore reserve facility, helping India strengthen emergency energy preparedness.
Renewable Energy and Connectivity Gain Momentum
Apart from conventional fuel cooperation, both countries are increasing collaboration in renewable energy and infrastructure connectivity. UAE-based renewable energy company MASDAR signed an agreement with the Rajasthan government in 2024 to support the development of large-scale clean energy projects in India.
India and the UAE are also working on studies related to electricity grid connectivity and have joined hands under the Global Biofuels Alliance launched during India’s G20 presidency. Officials from both countries see these initiatives as important steps toward clean energy transition and sustainable growth.
Italy Visit Expected to Deepen European Engagement
Following the Gulf leg of the journey, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Italy from May 19 to 20 at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. During the visit, he is expected to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and hold discussions with Meloni on bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
The India-Italy relationship has gained momentum in recent years, especially in trade, manufacturing, defence and technology partnerships. The visit is also taking place after progress in negotiations linked to the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to create new opportunities for investment and commercial cooperation.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Italy are currently implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2029, designed to expand cooperation across multiple sectors. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached nearly USD 17 billion in 2025, while Italian investment in India has steadily increased over the past two decades.
Officials believe the Prime Minister’s Europe visit will further strengthen India’s ties with the region and open new avenues for collaboration in trade, technology and industrial development