ALBAWABA- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Amman on Monday, kicking off a four-day tour of Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships amid shifting global dynamics.
Mr. Modi was received at Queen Alia International Airport with a ceremonial guard of honour and welcomed by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, underscoring the close ties between the two countries. In a post on X, Mr. Modi thanked Mr. Hassan for the warm reception and said he was confident the visit would deepen bilateral cooperation.
The prime minister also praised the Indian diaspora in Jordan, highlighting their “affection, pride in India’s progress, and strong cultural bonds.” More than 200,000 Indians live in Jordan, playing a key role in advancing economic and cultural links.
The December 15–16 visit, undertaken at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan. Modi is scheduled to hold talks with the King and Prime Minister Hassan to review cooperation across trade, defence, and regional security. Bilateral trade exceeds $3 billion annually. Meetings with Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, business leaders, and the Indian community are also planned.
Notably, this is the first full bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Jordan in 37 years, since Rajiv Gandhi’s visit in 1988, and the first such visit in this millennium. Mr. Modi last passed through Amman in 2018 on a transit stop en route to Palestine.
The Jordan leg is part of a broader diplomatic push across West Asia and Africa. In Ethiopia, Mr. Modi will meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to advance cooperation in infrastructure and the digital economy. In Oman, talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq are expected to focus on a potential free trade agreement and energy security.
Ahead of his departure, Mr. Modi described Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman as “valued partners” with deep civilisational ties to India. Indian Ambassador to Jordan Manish Chauhan said the visit comes at a “very important time” for bilateral relations and the wider region, reflecting New Delhi’s intent to promote regional stability, strengthen supply chains, and expand economic engagement.
