UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally received Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport as the Indian leader departed for the Netherlands, underscoring close diplomatic ties. India’s ambassador Deepak Mittal said Modi’s short UAE visit produced investment announcements of over $5 billion (more than Rs 47,000 crore). A standout element is a first-ever UAE push into India’s banking sector, led by Emirates NBD’s $3 billion. Additional commitments include $1 billion each from ADIA for infrastructure via NIIF and from IHC into Samman Capital, alongside deepening energy cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi ended with multiple agreements covering defence cooperation, energy security and industrial infrastructure. India and the UAE agreed on a framework for a strategic defence partnership, signed an MoU on strategic petroleum reserves, and finalized LPG supply arrangements to bolster energy security. The UAE also announced $5 billion in investments in Indian infrastructure and financial institutions including RBL Bank and Samman Capital. Modi urged dialogue to manage West Asia tensions and stressed keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kicked off a high-stakes five-nation tour spanning the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy until May 20. Starting in Abu Dhabi, Modi is holding delegation-level talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with attention on trade, energy cooperation, investment and regional security. Industry groups see the agenda as a boost for sectors like engineering, pharma, textiles, logistics and digital trade, while European and Gulf partnerships are expected to deepen amid shifting global geopolitics and markets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a five-nation tour from 15 to 20 May, starting in the UAE before moving to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said the agenda is built around strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE and expanding cooperation in energy, defence, and technology. The Netherlands leg highlights semiconductors and IMEC, while Norway and the Nordic summits focus on the Blue Economy, AI, resilient supply chains, and the green transition.
After PM Modi urged people and officials to postpone non essential foreign travel, India’s travel industry is looking inward to win back global attention. Executives say ‘Incredible India’ marketing should be ramped up and entry rules eased, including faster e visa processes, to attract more overseas tourists and strengthen foreign exchange despite disruptions to international travel.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has directed state ministers to seek formal clearance from the CMO before any air travel, aiming to cut fuel use and government spending. The move follows West Asia energy supply disruptions tied to ongoing conflict there, and aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s broader austerity push. Ministers must now follow a tighter approval process for official trips.
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Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri played down concerns that Modi’s fuel conservation push could lead to lockdown-style restrictions. He said India’s energy picture remains stable, citing rising domestic LPG production and large existing oil and LPG reserves. The reassurance comes as West Asia tensions spur tighter attention on fuel usage and supply reliability.
Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges people not to buy gold, India’s gems and jewellery sector is asking the government to strengthen the Gold Monetisation Scheme. Industry bodies argue that mobilising idle gold from homes and recycling it can help address foreign exchange pressures, while avoiding the livelihood risks they say come from deferring gold purchases.
Police in Bengaluru recovered gelatin sticks and timer circuit components near Kaggalipura, prompting investigators to examine whether a wider plot was being planned around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit. A suspect has been detained, and officials are trying to determine if the recovery indicates an actual attack plan or a hoax, amid fears of conspiracy.
India’s government is preparing consultations on managing fallout from the West Asia war, with PM Narendra Modi urging citizens to save fuel. Officials are considering measures to conserve energy and protect foreign exchange, while industry leaders are likely to be brought into discussions to keep supplies steady and limit economic pressure.
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India’s government has denied any plans to raise gold and silver import duties, responding to Prime Minister Modi’s appeal for citizens to avoid gold purchases amid economic strain. Officials say no duty hike is planned even as gold and silver imports surged in the last fiscal year. Experts warn that higher duties could fuel smuggling, while jewellery firms look to keep prices down.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to strengthen the economy by cutting back on imports and choosing local products. He also appealed for lower fuel consumption and more mindful spending abroad as global uncertainty grows amid the West Asia crisis. The message frames these everyday decisions as collective action to build resilience and economic stability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to cut cooking oil consumption by 10%, linking it to “nation’s service and body’s service.” Health experts argue the change doesn’t require bland food, recommending practical kitchen swaps like non-stick cookware, air-frying, measuring oil, and using more herbs and spices to cut unnecessary fat without losing taste.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the assembly poll outcomes in West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry sparked nationwide enthusiasm. Speaking in Vadodara after inaugurating the Sardar Dham Hostel, he praised the BJP’s performance in the local context and asserted that people working together have “created history,” framing the results as a turning point beyond state lines.
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After Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to reduce foreign travel, tourism industry body FAITH says the country must not lose the opportunity to bring more international visitors in. It wants eased visa rules, better connectivity, and stronger global marketing to increase tourist arrivals and protect foreign exchange earnings.
India’s stocks fell after PM Narendra Modi asked citizens to delay gold purchases and foreign travel, a rare direct appeal that analysts say is aimed at “economic self-defense.” Experts argue it can act as a buffer for forex by reducing demand for imports linked to gold and foreign spending. Rather than signaling weakness, they frame it as preventive macro-management during a correction.
Amid global instability and energy concerns, PM Narendra Modi urged Indians to follow a seven-point set of lifestyle and spending shifts tied to “Viksit Bharat”. He called for cutting petrol and diesel use, avoiding non-essential foreign travel, buying Made-in-India, reducing gold and edible oil purchases, using less fertiliser, conserving water, and adopting Mission LiFE habits like saving electricity and avoiding single-use plastics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in a roadshow in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district ahead of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav. The celebration marks 75 years since the restored Somnath temple was inaugurated, drawing large crowds along the route. Traditional dance performances by artists added to the festival atmosphere as people gathered to welcome the PM.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to revive Covid-era habits by working from home and using virtual meetings. His message comes amid global economic uncertainty, rising fuel prices, and a push to strengthen energy security. Modi also called for reducing unnecessary foreign travel and limiting gold purchases to conserve foreign exchange reserves.
Ahead of the monsoon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged stronger water conservation and more prudent management, pressing farmers to shift to better irrigation practices. He also promoted the government’s Mission LiFE for environmentally responsible living. Modi further credited India’s youth for leadership in digital payments, infrastructure and startups, adding that broad social participation is essential to meet national goals.
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