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PM Modi’s foreign visits, agreements with various countries: Following tariff pressures and policy shifts from Trump’s US, India has accelerated economic diplomacy. News18 explains
Indian government sources defended the decision to request a restricted media format. (ANI File)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively diversifying India’s global partnerships and trade agreements to hedge against unpredictable trade and tariff policies from US President Donald Trump’s administration, analysts say.
PM Modi has visited at least 20 countries since August 2025, with several of his engagements focused on securing concrete economic and strategic outcomes, a New York Times report said.
The NYT report comes at a time PM Modi is in Kyrgyzstan for the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, where the PM is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines. Modi might also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit.
A look at India’s global diversification and economic diplomacy.
HOW INDIA RESPONDED TO US PRESSURE
Following tariff pressures and policy shifts from Washington, India accelerated economic diplomacy, securing a major free trade agreement with the European Union and striking deals with the U.K. and European Free Trade Association nations.
PM Modi has increased international outreachvisiting numerous countries and hosting global leaders—to build resilience against external economic shocks and reduce heavy reliance on the US export market.
Amid mounting US pressure on traditional energy suppliers like Iran and Russia, India has looked to alternative sources, such as increasing crude oil imports from Venezuela.
DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT
Recent high-level engagements, such as a meeting between Modi and Trump on the sidelines of a G7 summit, highlighted an approach where New Delhi manages relations pragmatically rather than relying purely on personal chemistry.
Discussions around press access during these summits, including revelations by U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor regarding media coordination, have underscored the tightrope walk Indian diplomats perform between public optics and strategic risk management.
PM MODI’S MOST RECENT FOREIGN VISITS AND KEY AGREEMENTS SIGNED
Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan (August 29-30, 2026): PM Modi embarked on a four-day tour of Central Asia, making Uzbekistan his first stop to hold high-level bilateral talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. India and Uzbekistan signed 17 comprehensive agreements.
These included partnerships in national security, military education, outer space exploration, and science and technology. Key MoUs also covered agriculture, public health, and pharmaceutical cooperation. Agreements were reached on visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders and the promotion of the India-Uzbekistan Business Council.
Indonesia, Australia & New Zealand (July 6-11, 2026): This multi-nation tour focused heavily on Indo-Pacific maritime strategy, defense, and expanding trade.
Key agreements were signed to deepen defense cooperation and maritime security, especially in New Zealand — marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the country in four decades. Bilateral frameworks were set up to double trade volumes with regional partners.
Seychelles (June 27-29, 2026): An official State visit aimed at enhancing India’s footprints in the Indian Ocean region. Agreements centered on blue economy initiatives, maritime security, and infrastructure development support.
France & Slovakia (June 13-18, 2026): A crucial European trip focusing on technology, manufacturing, and defense. Strategic agreements covering defense technology transfers and clean energy collaborations.
UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway & Italy (May 15-20, 2026): A sprawling multi-nation tour across the Middle East and Europe to solidify trade corridors and renewable energy deals. Multiple trade and investment MoUs. Notably, the UAE remains one of India’s top agreement partners, signing dozens of MoUs covering financial tech, digital infrastructure, and trade logistics.
President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea promised investment in India and shipbuilding assistance. India aims to become one of the world’s top five shipbuilders by 2047.
Landmark Trade Deal (January 2026): Although not tied to a single bilateral trip, India signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union. Termed the “mother of all deals,” it signaled a massive pivot from India’s traditional protectionist economic policy, slashing import tariffs on European automobiles, wines, and other consumer goods.
THE COST OF BUSINESS
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on August 6 informed the Rajya Sabha that the expenditure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits hasreached over Rs 74.58 crore in 2026 so far, while the cumulative spending on his overseas visits since 2021 stands at more than Rs 550 crore, the ANI reported.
In a written reply, Margherita stated that the highest expenditure among the visits for which figures are available this year was incurred during the Norway leg of the Prime Minister’s five-nation tour in Mayat Rs 17.46 crore. According to the reply, expenditure on the Prime Minister’s foreign visits was over Rs 180 crore in 2025, Rs 109 crore in 2024, Rs 93 crore in2023, Rs 55 crore in 2022 and Rs 36 crore in 2021. The Ministry also noted that several expenditure figures for 2026 are provisional and will be finalised after settlement of bills, while expenditure for the France visit in June is still being compiled.
It also informed the House that country-wise details of MoUs signed during these visits, while total FDI received during the April 2021-December 2025 period stood at USD 381.8 billion. The MEA further informed the Rajya Sabha that 316 Memoranda ofUnderstanding (MoUs) and agreements have been signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits since July 2021.These span a wide range of sectors, including defence, trade and investment, digital technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, renewable energy, healthcare, education, agriculture, space cooperation, mobility and migration, climate action and cultural exchanges.
With NYT, agency, ANI inputs
Quick Answers
Ask News18India’s new trade deals are expected to boost bilateral trade and investment, create new markets for MSMEs, increase exports, and generate employment opportunities. They could also strengthen India’s position as a trusted global economic partner and help integrate it further into global markets. However, some experts suggest that free trade agreements alone may not immediately address concerns like the rupee’s value or the current account deficit, and India needs to improve its competitiveness.
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