New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will conduct meetings with senior leaders, address members of parliament, and engage with the Indian diaspora and business sectors during his upcoming three-nation trip to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman next week.

Starting on December 15-16, PM Modi will visit Jordan at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that PM Modi will discuss various matters with the Jordanian monarch, interact with the Indian community, and speak at a business event in Amman.

This marks the Prime Minister's first comprehensive bilateral trip to Jordan, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan. Some may remember that Prime Minister Modi transited through Jordan in February 2018 while en route to Palestine. Although it was a transit visit, he received exceptional hospitality from the King. The current visit is significant as it follows a gap of 37 years, as highlighted by MEA's Secretary (South), Neena Malhotra, during a press briefing.

She emphasized the warm and friendly ties between India and Jordan, characterized by mutual trust and goodwill, covering various sectors such as political, economic, defense, and strong people-to-people connections. Since the last visit of His Majesty in 2018, the two leaders have met four times, with their latest interaction occurring at the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2024. They remain in contact via phone, especially after the tragic Pahalgam terror attacks in April 2025, during which His Majesty condemned the violence and stressed the need to reject terrorism in all its forms.

Jordan has supported India's anti-terrorism efforts, and both nations have collaborated on counter-terrorism initiatives, including India's involvement in the Aqaba process. Economically, India is Jordan's third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at 2.8 billion dollars. Jordan is also a key supplier of fertilizers to India, particularly phosphates and potash, with a notable joint venture, the Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO), worth 860 million dollars between IFCO of India and Jordan Phosphates Mines Company (JPMC).

Jordan hosts more than 17,500 Indians working across various sectors such as textiles, construction, and manufacturing.

PM Modi and King Abdullah II are anticipated to participate in an India-Jordan business event attended by prominent business figures from both nations. The Prime Minister will also engage with the vibrant Indian community in Jordan and visit the historic city of Petra, which has ancient trade links with India, alongside the Crown Prince.

The Prime Minister will then proceed to Ethiopia, where he will discuss matters with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, address a parliamentary session, and interact with the Indian community.

The MEA Secretary noted the long-standing partnership between India and Ethiopia in education, skill development, and capacity building. India has been providing scholarships and training opportunities for Ethiopian students and professionals through ITEC and ICCR scholarships, with ITEC remaining a crucial platform for skill enhancement and human resource development in Ethiopia.

This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ethiopia since 2011.

“Ethiopia is an important and trusted partner in the Global South,” said the MEA Secretary, adding that the Ethiopian Prime Minister has actively participated in previous editions of the Voice of Global South. This visit underscores India's commitment to enhancing South-South cooperation and strengthening partnerships with Africa. Discussions will focus on diversifying trade, improving connectivity, and exploring new investment opportunities in infrastructure, IT, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.

India is dedicated to collaborating with Ethiopia to foster a stable, secure, and inclusive global order while promoting Africa's priorities aligned with Agenda 2063 and common global objectives.

Finally, PM Modi's third destination during this three-nation tour will be Oman, where he will meet with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV and OIA), mentioned that this will be PM Modi's second visit to Oman, following his last trip in February 2018. The Sultan of Oman visited India in December 2023.

Regarding PM Modi's activities in Oman, he will conduct a comprehensive review of bilateral relations with the Sultan and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. He is expected to address business leaders at a business forum and engage with the Indian community in Oman.

The MEA Secretary highlighted that India and Oman enjoy a special partnership rooted in centuries-old connections, supported by trade relationships and people-to-people ties. The relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership marked by robust cooperation in various sectors.