New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his five-nation tour on Friday, visiting the UAE and the other four European nations to strengthen ties with India.

The meetings will focus on expanding cooperation in a range of areas, including energy, defence, and technology.

PM Modi will begin with a trip to the United Arab Emirates on May 15 before heading to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy next week.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Sibi George, Modi will meet with President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan "to discuss bilateral ties, energy cooperation and regional issues", on Friday.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a five-nation tour from May 15 to 20, covering the UAE and four European countries: the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy…From May 15 to 17, PM Modi will be in the Netherlands, his second visit after 2017, at a crucial moment in bilateral relations. This also includes the third India Nordic Summit, focusing on trade, investment, green technology, and innovation. The visit to the four European countries comes in the backdrop of the India-EU FTA that we finalised earlier this year," the MEA added during a briefing.

What will be discussed in the UAE meeting?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Abu Dhabi visit will mainly focus on energy security discussions.
• PM Modi is expected to hold talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
• India and the UAE are likely to sign key agreements on LPG supplies and strategic petroleum reserves.
• The discussions come amid the global energy crisis caused by the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
• Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns over global oil and gas supplies.
• The US naval blockade of Iranian ports has further increased tensions in the region.
• Indian Oil Corporation and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company are expected to sign a strategic LPG cooperation agreement.
• Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and ADNOC may also sign an agreement related to India's strategic oil reserves.
• Apart from energy ties, the visit will also focus on strengthening political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people relations between India and the UAE.