Modi at G7 Summit 2026: Maritime Security, Global Solidarity, and International Relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful address at the 52nd G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, voicing India’s firm concern over disruptions to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz and highlighting that several Indian civilians lost their lives during the West Asia conflict. Speaking at the outreach session on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity,” Modi emphasized that lasting solutions to conflicts can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation, while calling for the safety of seafarers who connect all nations through global maritime trade.The summit, held from June 15 to 17 on the shores of Lake Geneva, brings together leaders of France, Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States alongside the European Union, with India invited as a partner country for its 13th participation and PM Modi’s 7th consecutive attendance. During his extensive diplomatic outreach on the sidelines, Modi held bilateral meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Kenyan President William Ruto, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, while also exchanging greetings with U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of their scheduled bilateral meeting.Maritime Security and the Strait of Hormuz: India’s Core ConcernPM Modi’s remarks on the need to protect seafarers came amid growing anger in India over the deaths of three Indian crew members in a U.S. military attack on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman last week. The U.S. Central Command said it had taken action against three vessels, Marivex on June 8, Settebello on June 9, and Jalveer on June 11, alleging that they were attempting to violate the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. Modi raised this issue a day before his bilateral talks with President Trump, underscoring how conflicts in West Asia have disrupted global trade and caused loss of life.“We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of life and property in our friendly countries in the region. Disruptions to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have affected the global economy. Several Indian civilians have also lost their lives,” Modi said during his address. “It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the seafarers who connect all nations through global maritime trade. We must ensure that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear,” he added.Modi’s concerns reflect India’s strategic dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints for oil shipments and global commerce. As a major importer of energy and a nation with significant maritime trade volumes, disruptions in Hormuz directly impact India’s economic security, energy prices, and the safety of its nationals working in global shipping. The deaths of three Indian mariners in the U.S. strike have heightened domestic pressure on the government to address maritime security and protect Indian citizens abroad.Trust as the Ultimate Strategic Asset: Modi’s Vision for International RelationsIn his address, Modi underscored the importance of trust in international relations, saying that confidence among nations has become a more valuable strategic asset than minerals, technology, or markets. He argued that in an increasingly interconnected world, where energy, food, health, cyber, and economic security are closely linked, stronger international partnerships are essential for humanity’s progress and prosperity. Warning that trade and technology were being used to pursue narrow interests, Modi said such practices had contributed to a growing trust deficit in the international system.Modi wrote in an X post: “Shared my thoughts at the Outreach Session on ‘Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity’ at the G7 Summit in Evian. In a world that is getting more interconnected and interdependent than ever before, this subject becomes all the more vital.” His emphasis on trust reflects India’s diplomatic philosophy that international cooperation must be founded on mutual respect, reciprocity, and shared interests rather than coercion or unilateralism.The trust deficit Modi highlighted is particularly relevant in the current global context, where geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, technology bans, and security concerns have led nations to prioritize national interests over collective action. As the G7 discusses issues ranging from AI access to critical minerals supply chains, India’s call for trust-based partnerships offers an alternative framework that emphasizes inclusivity, cooperation, and shared prosperity for all nations, not just the wealthy few.Bilateral Outreach: Strengthening India’s Strategic PartnershipsIndia-Canada: Forward-Looking Strategic PartnershipDuring his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, PM Modi and his counterpart welcomed the positive momentum in India-Canada relations and reaffirmed their commitment to building a forward-looking strategic partnership. The two leaders reviewed progress in economic cooperation, including commercial arrangements relating to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and metallurgical coal. They expressed satisfaction over ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with both sides aiming to conclude the pact this year.The leaders also welcomed growing cooperation in science and technology, defence, finance, and migration. To further strengthen defence and security ties, the two countries agreed to launch negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement. PM Modi expressed India’s support for Canada becoming a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and both leaders announced the establishment of Raisina Americas as a platform to enhance dialogue and cooperation.India-UK: Vision 2035 and Comprehensive Economic PartnershipDuring his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, PM Modi reviewed progress in India-UK relations under Vision 2035. The two leaders welcomed cooperation across trade, defence, technology, education, and people-to-people ties, looking forward to the early implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. They expressed satisfaction over the strong education partnership, noting recent progress in establishing campuses of British universities in India, including the University of Liverpool in Bengaluru and the Universities of York and Bristol in Mumbai.The leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, demonstrating how both nations are working to deepen their bilateral
PM Modi Launches Five-Nation Tour to Secure Energy, Tech Ties Amid Iran War
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a massive five-nation tour starting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The trip runs from May 15 to May 20, 2026. It includes visits to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The Prime Minister travels at a critical time when the ongoing war between the US and Iran has disrupted global shipping routes. Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have caused oil prices to rise. This tour aims to secure India’s energy supply and strengthen technology partnerships. The visit comes right after India and the European Union signed a historic free trade agreement. Modi calls this deal the “mother of all deals.”The journey highlights India’s effort to build strong economic ties while managing global instability. Experts say diplomacy can reduce market panic, but oil prices will stay high until the war ends. Until then, India must focus on energy security and protecting its economy from rising costs.Visit to UAE: Fortifying Energy and Strategic TiesPM Modi landed in the UAE on May 15 to meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since 2014, Modi has visited the UAE seven times. President Sheikh Mohamed has visited India five times. Their relationship has only grown stronger over the years. The UAE has remained one of India’s most reliable energy partners even during this Gulf crisis. Long-term oil and gas supply agreements protect India’s energy security.Two important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are likely to be signed during this visit. One deals with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The other focuses on Strategic Petroleum Reserves. These deals will help India store more fuel for emergencies. Bilateral trade between India and the UAE crossed $101.25 billion in the last financial year. Both nations aim to double this trade to $200 billion by 2032. The UAE is India’s seventh-largest investor, with over $25 billion in cumulative investment.The UAE also hosts the largest group of Indian expatriates in the world. Over 4.5 million Indians live there. They form the backbone of the UAE economy. The leaders will discuss their welfare and safety. Remittances from these workers help India’s foreign exchange reserves. A Local Currency Settlement system allows trade in Indian Rupees and UAE Dirhams. This reduces dependence on the US dollar.Netherlands: Chip Deals and Water TechnologyThe Prime Minister arrived in the Netherlands from May 15 to 17. This is only his second visit since 2017. The partnership focuses on “innovation meets scale.” Dutch technology combines with India’s massive market size. Areas like semiconductors, water management, hydrogen, and maritime tech are key.A major business highlight is the agreement between Tata Electronics and ASML Netherlands. They will sign a deal to equip a semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat. This boosts India’s chip-making capabilities. PM Modi and the Dutch Prime Minister visited the Afsluitdijk Dam together. This site shows cooperation in clean energy and sustainable fisheries. The Netherlands is India’s largest trading partner in Europe. Trade reached $27.8 billion in FY 2024-25. It is also India’s fourth-largest investor.The PM addressed the Indian community of over 90,000 NRIs. The visit also reached out to over 200,000 Surinami Hindustanis, the largest Indian-origin group in mainland Europe. Both nations are streamlining migration and mobility. Tourism between the two countries is set to grow.Sweden: Defense, AI, and Strategically De-risking from ChinaModi visited Sweden after an eight-year gap. He last went there in April 2018 for the first India-Nordic Summit. Sweden invests over 3 percent of its GDP in research and development. It ranks among the top innovators in Europe. Sweden has taken a firm stance to reduce its reliance on China. They removed Chinese vendors from their telecom networks. This makes India a key strategic partner.Bilateral trade reached $7.75 billion in 2025. Over 280 Swedish companies work in India. A major project is the Saab manufacturing plant in Jhajjar. Saab is building its first Carl-Gustaf weapon plant outside Sweden here. This is India’s first 100 percent FDI-driven defense project. Sweden also holds large critical mineral deposits. This helps India secure supply chains for electric vehicles and defense electronics.A new Statement of Intent created the Sweden-India Technology and AI Corridor (SITAC). It covers 6G, Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, and life sciences. Over 80 Swedish companies attended the AI Impact Summit 2026. The Maharashtra government signed an MoU for electric boat investment worth Rs 1,990 crore.Norway: First Solo Visit in 43 Years and Arctic TechThis trip marks the first standalone visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in 43 years. Modi attended the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo. This summit places India in a high tier of Nordic engagement, joining only the United States. The India-EFTA TEPA agreement is now in force. It promises $100 billion in investment and one million jobs over 15 years.Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest at $2 trillion, has invested nearly $30 billion in India. Indian shipyards now hold 11 percent of Norwegian ship orders. Cochin Shipyard is building eco-friendly vessels for Norway. An MoU between GRSE and Kongsberg Maritime will deliver India’s first indigenous Polar Research Vessel.ISRO antennas at Svalbard became operational in 2026. They support India’s Arctic research. Norwegian tunneling technology helps the Char Dham railway project. Clean energy cooperation will diversify India’s energy mix. Norway also sees opportunities for Indian talent due to its aging population.Italy: Strategic Partnership and Submarine CablesPM Modi travels to Italy from May 19 to 21. He meets Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to reaffirm their strategic partnership. The visit follows the Joint Strategic Plan of Action 2025-29. Italy views India as a major power and an indispensable partner.Italy champions the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). A new submarine cable, Sparkle-Airtel Blue-Raman, connects Genoa to India. This secures supply chains and boosts energy security. Bilateral trade reached $16.77 billion in 2025. The target is 20 billion euros by 2029. Tata Motors acquired the Iveco Group for 3.8 billion euros. This is the largest Indian investment in Italy. Italy opened a SIMEST office in Delhi to support SMEs.Energy Crisis and Global ImpactThe Iran war has caused
PM Modi Receives the UAE President at the Airport
New Delhi: United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan concluded a high-profile official visit to India on January 19, 2026, reinforcing the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi. In a rare and symbolic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received the UAE President at the airport, underscoring the importance India attaches to its relationship with the Gulf nation.This marked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s third official visit to India since assuming office as UAE President and his fifth visit to the country over the past decade. The visit highlighted the sustained political engagement between the two countries and reflected the UAE’s view of India as a key strategic partner in Asia.During the visit, the two leaders held comprehensive talks covering trade, investment, energy security, defence cooperation, technology, and regional geopolitics. Several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. These included frameworks to expand collaboration in renewable energy, food security, digital infrastructure, fintech, and defence manufacturing, aligning with India’s “Make in India” and self-reliance goals while offering new opportunities for UAE investors.A major focus of the discussions was economic cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has significantly boosted bilateral trade since its implementation. Both sides reviewed progress under CEPA and agreed to work toward further increasing non-oil trade, easing market access, and encouraging private-sector partnerships. The use of local currency settlement mechanisms and the bilateral investment treaty were also highlighted as key enablers of smoother financial flows and long-term investment confidence.From India’s perspective, the outcomes of the visit strengthen energy security through long-term supply arrangements and increased cooperation in clean energy and green hydrogen. The UAE’s continued interest in investing in Indian infrastructure, ports, logistics, and technology startups was seen as a strong vote of confidence in India’s growth story.For the UAE, deeper engagement with India supports its strategy of economic diversification and strengthens its footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Enhanced cooperation in food corridors, technology, and innovation helps Abu Dhabi secure supply chains while expanding its global economic influence.The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including developments in West Asia, maritime security, and global economic uncertainty. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to stability, dialogue, and cooperation in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.Beyond agreements, the visit carried strong symbolic value. Prime Minister Modi’s decision to personally welcome Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed sent a clear message of trust, warmth, and strategic alignment. It also reflected the personal rapport between the two leaders, which has played a significant role in elevating India–UAE ties over the years.As the UAE President departed India, the visit was widely seen as a reaffirmation of a mature and forward-looking partnership, one that goes beyond transactional ties to focus on long-term strategic, economic, and people-centric cooperation.