What Discussions Will PM Modi and Jordan's King Hold?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strengthening bilateral relations between India and Jordan.
- Exploring new avenues for collaboration.
- Emphasizing regional peace and stability.
- Celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties.
- Engaging with the Indian community in Jordan.
Amman, Dec 15 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Amman, Jordan on Monday afternoon as he commenced his three-nation tour, which will also see him visiting Ethiopia and the Sultanate of Oman - nations with which India boasts both ancient cultural connections and extensive modern diplomatic ties.
In a warm gesture, Jordan's Prime Minister Jafar Hassan greeted Prime Minister Modi at the airport upon his arrival for a two-day visit, extended at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein.
During this visit, PM Modi is set to engage in discussions with Jordan's monarch, where both leaders will likely assess the full spectrum of India-Jordan relations and share insights on regional matters.
The visit commemorates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, offering a prime opportunity to bolster India-Jordan cooperation, explore new collaborative avenues for mutual advancement, and reaffirm commitments to fostering regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability.
"This historic visit will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between our countries. Throughout my time here, I will engage in comprehensive discussions with His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, H.E. Mr. Jafar Hassan, Prime Minister of Jordan, and I look forward to interacting with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. I will also meet the vibrant Indian community in Amman, which has made substantial contributions to India-Jordan relations," stated PM Modi in his remarks prior to departure.
This marks Prime Minister Modi's inaugural comprehensive bilateral visit to Jordan; previously, he had only transited through the country in February 2018 on his way to the State of Palestine.
“Although it was a transit visit, exceptional hospitality was extended to him by His Majesty the King, making it more than just a transit. This current full bilateral visit is the first in 37 years. India and Jordan enjoy a warm relationship characterized by mutual trust and goodwill, spanning political, economic, defense, and strong people-to-people ties,” noted Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), prior to the Prime Minister's visit.
“Our bilateral relations are underscored by a strong understanding at the leadership level. Since His Majesty's last visit in 2018, both leaders have met four times, the latest being during the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2024. They maintain regular communication, including a recent conversation in April 2025 after the tragic Pahalgam terror attacks. His Majesty condemned the attacks, emphasizing that terrorism must be denounced in all its forms and reiterated his support for India's anti-terror efforts. Both countries have collaborated on counter-terrorism initiatives, including India's involvement in projects launched by His Majesty, such as the Aqaba process,” she added.
India and Jordan also maintain robust economic ties, with India ranking as Jordan's third-largest trading partner and bilateral trade valued at $2.8 billion. Jordan is a key supplier of fertilizers to India, particularly phosphates and potash. A notable partnership, the Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO), represents an $860 million investment between IFFCO of India and the Jordan Phosphates Mines Company (JPMC). The MEA reported that approximately 15 garment companies, with an investment totaling $500 million, operate in Jordan's qualified industrial zones.
“Jordan is home to a thriving Indian diaspora of over 17,500 individuals, employed across various sectors including textiles, construction, and manufacturing. In terms of connectivity, Royal Jordanian has recently launched direct flights from Amman to Mumbai and plans to expand services to New Delhi. Furthermore, Jordan offers tourist visas on arrival for Indian travelers and has recently introduced an electronic visa system,” Malhotra stated.