PM Modi Arrives in Jordan, Begins Three-Nation Tour to Strengthen Strategic and Civilizational Ties

Amman, Dec 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Jordanian capital Amman on Monday afternoon, marking the beginning of his three-nation tour that will also take him to Ethiopia and the Sultanate of Oman. The visit underscores India’s growing diplomatic outreach to West Asia and Africa—regions with which it shares deep-rooted civilizational links as well as expanding contemporary partnerships.

In a rare and warm gesture reflecting the importance Jordan attaches to the visit, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan personally received Prime Minister Modi at the airport. The two-day visit is taking place at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and holds special significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan.

During his stay in Amman, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold comprehensive discussions with King Abdullah II. The talks are expected to cover the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including political cooperation, trade and investment, defence ties, and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders will also exchange views on key regional and global developments, particularly issues related to peace, stability, and security in West Asia.

The visit is being seen as an opportunity to further deepen India–Jordan relations, explore new areas of collaboration for mutual growth, and reaffirm a shared commitment to regional peace and prosperity. It also reflects India’s intent to strengthen engagement with trusted partners in a geopolitically sensitive region.

In his departure statement issued earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the historical importance of the visit. “This historic visit will mark 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. During my visit, I will hold detailed discussions with His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, H.E. Mr. Jafar Hassan, Prime Minister of Jordan, and will also look forward to engagements with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II,” he said.

The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of people-to-people ties, noting that he would interact with members of the Indian community in Jordan who have played a constructive role in strengthening bilateral relations over the years.

This is Prime Minister Modi’s first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan. He had earlier transited through the country in February 2018 while travelling to the State of Palestine. Even during that brief stopover, exceptional courtesies were extended to him by King Abdullah II, elevating the transit into a symbolic diplomatic engagement.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra noted that the current visit comes after a gap of 37 years since the last full bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister. “India and Jordan share warm and friendly relations marked by mutual trust and goodwill. The relationship spans across political, economic, defence and strong people-to-people ties,” she said.

Malhotra also highlighted the strong understanding between the two countries at the leadership level. Since King Abdullah II’s visit to India in 2018, the two leaders have met on four occasions, most recently on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2024. They have also remained in regular contact through telephone conversations.

She recalled that following the Pahalgam terror attacks in April 2025, King Abdullah II had personally spoken to Prime Minister Modi to condemn terrorism and reiterate Jordan’s support for India’s fight against it. Jordan and India have cooperated closely on counter-terrorism initiatives, including India’s participation in the Aqaba Process launched by King Abdullah II to promote regional security dialogue.

Economic cooperation forms a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. India is currently Jordan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at approximately $2.8 billion. Jordan is a major supplier of fertilisers to India, particularly phosphates and potash, which are critical for India’s agricultural sector.

A flagship example of economic collaboration is the Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO), a joint venture between India’s IFFCO and Jordan Phosphates Mines Company, involving an investment of around $860 million. In addition, around 15 Indian garment companies operate in Jordan’s qualified industrial zones, with investments estimated at $500 million.

People-to-people ties further anchor the relationship. Jordan is home to a vibrant Indian diaspora of over 17,500 people, employed across sectors such as textiles, construction, manufacturing and services. Connectivity between the two countries has also improved, with Royal Jordanian recently launching direct flights between Amman and Mumbai and planning to expand services to New Delhi. Jordan offers visa-on-arrival facilities to Indian tourists and has also introduced electronic visas, facilitating easier travel.

Prime Minister Modi’s Jordan visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to this multifaceted partnership, setting the stage for deeper cooperation as both nations look to the future while drawing strength from their shared history.

Team Maverick.