Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a pivotal three-nation tour, beginning with Jordan, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations, and aimed at deepening India’s strategic, economic, and cultural engagements across the Middle East and Africa. The tour includes high-level meetings in Ethiopia and Oman, underscoring India’s expanding global footprint and strengthening ties with key regional partners.
Strengthening India-Jordan Relations and Economic Partnerships
PM Modi arrived in Amman, Jordan, where he was received by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Invited by King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Modi is scheduled to engage in comprehensive talks covering the entire spectrum of India-Jordan relations and regional developments. This visit also includes interactions with the Indian diaspora in Jordan, numbering approximately 17,500, reflecting India’s strong people-to-people connections in the country.
India and Jordan share decades-long warm relations rooted in mutual respect and goodwill. Their first cooperation agreement was signed in 1947, with full diplomatic ties formalized in 1950. High-level visits in recent years, including King Abdullah II’s 2018 visit to India, President Pranab Mukherjee’s 2015 visit to Jordan, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s 2020 visit, have continuously reinforced this partnership.
Economic cooperation forms a cornerstone of the India-Jordan relationship. Bilateral trade has grown steadily, with India now ranked as Jordan’s fourth-largest trading partner. During 2023–24, bilateral trade reached USD 2.875 billion, with Indian exports accounting for USD 1.465 billion. Indian investments, totaling around USD 1.5 billion, are concentrated in critical sectors such as phosphates, fertilizers, textiles, and garments. Notable joint ventures include the IFFCO-Jordan Phosphate Mines Company project and the Indo-Jordan Chemical Company. Institutional mechanisms like the Trade and Economic Joint Committee and sector-specific working groups facilitate structured economic cooperation.
Beyond commerce, India and Jordan collaborate extensively in health, education, skill development, science, technology, and capacity building. A major initiative is the India-Jordan Centre of Excellence in Information Technology, inaugurated in 2021, which provides advanced IT training for Jordanian professionals. Educational partnerships include scholarships under ITEC and ICCR programmes, recently expanded to 50 slots annually. Cultural exchanges, tourism collaborations, film partnerships, yoga events, and academic initiatives further enhance bilateral ties, reflecting a holistic and enduring relationship.
Expanding India’s Strategic Footprint in Ethiopia and Oman
Following Jordan, PM Modi’s tour proceeds to Ethiopia from December 16 to 17, marking his first official visit to the country. In Addis Ababa, the headquarters of the African Union, he will hold extensive discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on bilateral cooperation. The visit emphasizes shared commitments as Global South partners, aiming to reinforce friendship and collaboration across trade, technology, and development initiatives.
The final leg of the tour is Oman, from December 17 to 18, at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. India and Oman share an all-encompassing Strategic Partnership, rooted in centuries-old trade, cultural links, and robust people-to-people connections. The visit coincides with 70 years of diplomatic relations and follows Sultan Haitham’s 2023 state visit to India. Both nations are expected to review cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defense, security, technology, agriculture, and cultural exchanges, alongside discussions on regional and global strategic issues.
Through this meticulously planned tour, PM Modi aims to consolidate India’s influence in key regions, enhance economic partnerships, promote cultural and educational collaborations, and strategically engage with nations pivotal to India’s global and regional interests. This diplomatic outreach reflects India’s ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint in the Middle East and Africa while reinforcing longstanding friendships.
