Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Delhi for a five-nation diplomatic tour, starting with a visit to the United Arab Emirates [1].

This mission aims to secure critical energy supplies and strengthen strategic ties during a period of heightened global instability. By prioritizing the UAE, India seeks to stabilize its energy imports and deepen cooperation with a key Middle Eastern partner.

The visit to the UAE is scheduled for May 15, 2024 [2]. While some reports indicate the visit may occur on Friday, May 17, 2024, the primary schedule lists the 15th [2, 3]. During this first leg of the journey, the prime minister is expected to sign two key energy pacts focusing on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and oil-reserve agreements [2].

Beyond energy security, the tour is designed to address regional and international volatility. Modi is expected to hold discussions regarding conflicts in West Asia and the ongoing war in Ukraine [4, 5]. These talks are part of a broader effort to position India as a strategic mediator and a stable economic partner in a fragmented geopolitical landscape.

The prime minister's itinerary includes a total of five nations [1]. The stopover in the UAE serves as a gateway to further diplomatic engagements, including a planned tour of Europe [4, 5]. The focus remains on trade, security, and the diversification of energy sources to protect the Indian economy from price shocks.

Officials said the agreements in Abu Dhabi are central to India's long-term energy strategy. The pursuit of oil reserves and LPG stability is intended to reduce dependence on volatile spot markets, and ensure a steady flow of fuel for the domestic population [3].

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Delhi for a five-nation diplomatic tour”

This diplomatic push underscores India's 'strategic autonomy' by balancing ties between the West and the Middle East. By securing formal oil-reserve and LPG agreements, India is mitigating the risk of energy shortages caused by geopolitical disruptions in West Asia, while simultaneously using the tour to signal its role as a global player in resolving conflicts like the war in Ukraine.