PM Modi arrives in Amman on first leg of three-nation tour
New Delhi, Dec 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Amman on Monday, marking the first leg of his three-nation visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman. In a special gesture reflecting the close ties between the two countries, PM Modi was warmly received at the airport by Jordanian Prime Minister Dr Jafar Hassan and accorded a ceremonial welcome. On arrival, Prime Minister Modi, in a comment on “X”, said, “Landed in Amman. Thankful to Mr. Jafar Hassan, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, for the warm welcome at the airport. I am sure this visit will boost bilateral linkages between our nations.” The visit to Jordan is a bilateral engagement taking place after a gap of 37 years and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan.
In a departure statement issued earlier, Prime Minister Modi said his visit to the Hashemite Kingdom was at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. He noted the significance of the milestone year and said, “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. In Amman, I will also meet the vibrant Indian community who have made significant contributions to India–Jordan relations.”
India and Jordan share close and multifaceted ties spanning trade, defence, and culture. India is Jordan’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at USD 2.875 billion in 2023–24. Cooperation in the fertiliser sector remains a key pillar, including the Jordan India Fertilizer Company joint venture. The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation in 2018 and maintain regular exchanges between their armed forces. Jordan is home to around 17,500 Indians, who play an important role in strengthening people-to-people links.
From Jordan, the Prime Minister will travel to Ethiopia at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, marking his first visit to the country. Addis Ababa also hosts the headquarters of the African Union, which became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. PM Modi said, “I will hold detailed discussions with H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali and also have the opportunity to meet the Indian diaspora living there. I will also have the privilege to address the Joint Session of Parliament, where I eagerly look forward to sharing my thoughts on India’s journey as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and the value that the India–Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.”
The final leg of the tour will take Prime Minister Modi to Oman, as India and the Sultanate mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. In Muscat, he will meet the Sultan of Oman to discuss ways to further strengthen the India–Oman Strategic Partnership. PM Modi said, “I look forward to my discussions with His Majesty the Sultan of Oman, and towards strengthening our Strategic Partnership as well as our strong commercial and economic relationship.” He will also engage with the Indian diaspora, recognising their contribution to Oman’s development and bilateral ties. The three-nation visit is aimed at deepening India’s engagement with West Asia, Africa and the Gulf, and expanding cooperation across political, economic and people-to-people domains.
