France, May 15 -- 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.

The six-day trip, which will include visits to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, comes after India and the European Union sealed a free trade agreement in January, dubbed by Modi as the "mother of all deals".

The EU has long eyed India - the world's most populous nation - as a key market.

Modi's visit will "deepen India's partnership with Europe... particularly ...