What Are the Outcomes of Modi’s Foreign Visits?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five nation tour in May has shifted traditional diplomatic relations to a strategic approach, during major global developments such as the West Asia energy crisis, post Operation Sindoor geopolitical tensions and changing global trade dynamics. The UAE visit focused on protecting India’s energy security over possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz which is the main global oil route. The ADNOC & ISPRL agreement of storing up to 30 million barrels of crude...

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What Are the Outcomes of Modi’s Foreign Visits?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five nation tour in May has shifted traditional diplomatic relations to a strategic approach, during major global developments such as the West Asia energy crisis, post Operation Sindoor geopolitical tensions and changing global trade dynamics. The UAE visit focused on protecting India’s energy security over possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz which is the main global oil route. The ADNOC & ISPRL agreement of storing up to 30 million barrels of crude oil in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves at Visakhapatnam and Chandikhol strengthens India’s long term energy security and provides a strategic fuel storage against supply shocks. The visit deepened India UAE strategic ties through a new defence partnership and cyber cooperation, and major investment commitments worth 5 billion Dollars across infrastructure, banking and finance sectors. Agreements involving ADIA, ENDB and IHC further reinforced the UAE’s position as a major investment partner while expanding India UAE cooperation into defence, industrial collaboration and economic growth. The European visits mainly focused on strengthening India’s global stand against terrorism, pushing forward the India EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and building partnerships in green technology and innovation to support India’s renewable energy goals, including the target of achieving 500 GW clean energy capacity. PM Modi’s Sweden visit marked a significant elevation in bilateral ties with India and Sweden upgrading their relationship to a Strategic Partnership and adopting a roadmap covering AI, critical minerals, trade and cultural cooperation. The visit also strengthened India EU engagement, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing the India European union trade agreement as “mother of all deals”. bilateral trade is expected to grow to 7.75 billion dollars in coming years. Saab Gripen fighter aircraft discussions, Kockums submarine technologies and expanding defence manufacturing under the “Make in India”. The visit signalled a transition in India Sweden defence ties to co production and industrial collaboration. Also, partnerships involving Ericsson, AI cooperation, port infrastructure engagement with Maersk and emerging 5G/6G collaboration strengthened India’s ambitions in technology. Historic Milestone Modi’s Norway visit marked a historic diplomatic milestone as it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in 43 years. The visit expanded cooperation across green energy, blue economy, maritime security, Arctic research, digital technologies, health and space sectors, deepening its presence in India with investments valued at around 28 billion Dollars. The third India Nordic Summit emerged as one of the most significant multilateral outcomes of the tour, Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership. States proposed 100 billion dollars investment under TEPA, this will create nearly one million jobs in India. And also, expanding cooperation in 6G technology, STEM research, defence industry, talent mobility, maritime security and blue economy initiatives. The partnership also opened strategic opportunities in Arctic engagement and Indo-Pacific cooperation under the MAHASAGAR and IPOI visions. Modi’s Italy visit marked a new phase of cooperation in trade, defence, critical minerals, maritime transport, higher education and economic security. The visit reviewed implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan and set an ambitious trade target of 20 billion euros by 2029. With bilateral trade already reaching 16.77 billion dollar and growing Italian investments in sectors such as shipbuilding, defence, energy and mobility. Diplomatic Footprint Since 2014, Modi’s foreign outreach has significantly expanded India’s diplomatic footprint, with visits across major regions including the US, Europe, West Asia, Africa, Indo Pacific and Global South nations, helping position India as a key global stakeholder. India’s foreign policy during this period shifted from a largely reactive approach to a more proactive engagement model, with India increasingly participating in global discussions on economy, security, climate and technology. This strategic outreach also strengthened key partnerships such as India Russia ties, leading to major defence cooperation including the acquisition of the S400 air defence system. India successfully balanced relations with major powers including the US, Russia, Europe and Gulf nations while maintaining strategic autonomy and an independent foreign policy approach. At the same time, ties with Gulf countries evolved beyond energy cooperation to investments, defence, infrastructure and strategic partnerships. India’s engagement with West Asian nations helped in securing energy interests, attracting investments and strengthening the role of the Indian diaspora in the region. Initiatives such as “Make in India” contributed to making India an attractive investment destination. Strategic engagement with countries such as Japan helped India accelerate infrastructure development through cooperation in high-speed rail and industrial corridors, while India’s Indo Pacific outreach strengthened maritime cooperation and strengthened regional security and connectivity. Changed Focus Bilateral engagements with European countries are increasingly focusing on AI, quantum computing, semiconductors and 6G, supporting India’s long-term technological growth and innovation goals. India’s global image has evolved from developing economy to as a major geopolitical, technological and economic power. Diplomatic outreach strengthened India’s counter terrorism position internationally and increased support for its security concerns, while engagement with the Global South expanded India’s influence across developing nations in Africa, Asia and island regions. Defence diplomacy expanded through strategic partnerships, joint exercises and defence manufacturing corporation, contributing to the modernisation of India’s defence ecosystem. At the same time, international engagements opened new markets for Indian exports and strengthened trade relations across multiple regions. India increasingly emerged as a bridge between developed and developing nations, especially during multilateral platforms such as G20, BRICS and Quad discussions.

Why Women Are Better Investors Than Men

Kaustubh Kale
Mar 9, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Mar 10, 2025

As the world celebrated International Women's Day, discussions centered around women's achievements in various fields—business, leadership, science, and beyond. But one area where women consistently outperform men, yet receive little recognition, is investing.

Despite money management often being seen as a male-dominated field, women have quietly and consistently proven to be better investors than men. With patience, discipline, and a long-term mindset, women naturally possess qualities that make them superior money managers.

A Perfect Blend of Knowledge and Wealth

In Hindu mythology, Goddess Saraswati symbolizes knowledge, while Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth—two essential pillars of investing. The ability to manage wealth wisely stems from a deep understanding of financial principles, and this is where women excel. They take the time to learn, analyze, and make informed investment decisions rather than rushing into trends or speculation.

Why Women Make Better Investors

Several traits make women stand out as investors:

Patience and Long-Term Vision: Unlike men, who may be more prone to impulsive trading and get-rich-quick schemes, women tend to have a longer term mindset. Their ability to stay calm, especially during market fluctuations, leads to better returns over time.

Disciplined and Goal-Based: Women prioritize consistent savings and goal-based investing. This disciplined approach helps them build wealth steadily. Women naturally excel at budgeting, planning, and structuring investments to align with future goals, whether it’s children’s education, home buying, or retirement security. Their emotional connection with goals is what makes them stick to discipline.

Risk-Aware, Not Risk-Averse: Contrary to the stereotype, women are not afraid of risks—they are just more calculated about them, through appropriate asset allocation. Eventually, this approach ensures maximum returns with minimal risks.

Trust and Willingness to Learn: Women value education and expertise, making them more likely to seek guidance from a well-qualified financial advisor. Unlike men, who often overestimate their investing abilities, women approach financial decisions with a willingness to learn. Once they find a trusted expert, they follow sound advice instead of making emotional, short-term moves.

Women Leading the Financial World

These qualities are why many of the world’s leading financial institutions are now led by women. In India and abroad, we see prominent banks, asset management companies, and investment firms thriving under female leadership. Their ability to combine strategic thinking with emotional intelligence makes them exceptional at managing money—both at a personal and professional level.

Final Thoughts

With their trust in expert advice and a strong focus on financial education, more women should embrace their strengths and take control of their financial futures!