Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a five-nation tour on Friday, heading to the United Arab Emirates before Europe, overshadowed by energy and supply-chain worries due to the Iran war. Disruptions around Gulf shipping routes and the Strait of Hormuz continue to drive volatility in oil and gas markets, increasing pressure on energy-importing economies, including India. But the trip also reflects India's wider effort to diversify economic and strategic partnerships while positioning itself as a major manufacturing and technology hub.
