​Home and abroad: on the Prime Minister’s five-nation diplomatic tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-nation diplomatic tour to the UAE and Europe (Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy) aimed to strengthen India-Europe ties, diversify supply chains, and enhance cooperation on energy security (Strategic Petroleum Reserves, Green Strategic Partnerships), AI governance, critical minerals, and maritime collaboration in the Arctic. The visit occurred amidst global concerns over superpower behavior and challenges to the international rules-based order. While the tour yielded few concrete trade deals, it underscored a shared desire for deeper collaboration, reflected in the India-EFTA trade agreement (in force) and the upcoming India-EU FTA. The article also noted controversy regarding PM Modi's refusal to hold press conferences during the tour, contrasting with European norms and raising questions about transparency and accountability.