In a landmark diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held comprehensive talks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman, marking the first full-fledged bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 37 years. The discussions, held against the backdrop of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, centered on regional peace, the shared fight against terrorism, and ambitious plans to expand economic partnership.
A Strong Stance Against Terrorism and Extremism
Prime Minister Modi underscored the critical importance of joint efforts to counter terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation. He commended King Abdullah II for Jordan's strong and strategic messaging against these global threats. In a significant show of solidarity, King Abdullah conveyed Jordan's firm support for India's fight against terrorism and condemned terror in all its forms.
Modi recalled the King's inspirational remarks at a 2015 UN-side event on countering violent extremism and his participation in a 2018 conference on Islamic Heritage during his India visit. "To promote moderation, your efforts are extremely important not just regionally but for global peace as well," PM Modi told the Jordanian monarch, affirming that both nations would continue to advance solidly in this direction together.
Discussions on Gaza and Regional Stability
The leaders extensively discussed the situation in West Asia, with a particular focus on Gaza. Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Jordan's "active and positive" role and expressed hope for peace and stability in the region. He also reaffirmed India's support for efforts to achieve durable peace.
According to Jordanian accounts, the talks also covered the urgent need to scale up the humanitarian response in Gaza and ensure the implementation of agreements to end the war on the Strip. This alignment on humanitarian and peace-building efforts highlights a convergence of interests on key regional issues.
Boosting Economic Ties and Landmark Agreements
On the economic front, PM Modi pointed out that India is already Jordan's third-largest trading partner. He set an ambitious target for the two nations: to elevate bilateral trade to US$ 5 billion over the next five years.
The visit is set to yield concrete outcomes with several agreements scheduled for signing. These include Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on:
- Renewable energy cooperation.
- Water resource management.
- A cultural exchange programme.
Additionally, a letter of intent on digital transformation cooperation and a twinning agreement between the historic city of Petra and India's Ellora Caves site will be inked, symbolically linking the two ancient civilizations.
A Visit of Historic Significance
PM Modi's arrival in Amman was marked by a special gesture, as he was received by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and accorded a ceremonial welcome. This visit, part of a three-nation tour that also includes Ethiopia and Oman, is particularly historic as it comes after a gap of nearly four decades for a standalone bilateral visit.
In his departure statement, PM Modi emphasized that India shares both age-old civilizational ties and extensive contemporary relations with the nations on his itinerary. The discussions in Jordan successfully reinforced the strategic partnership, paving the way for enhanced collaboration in trade, fertilizers, digital technology, and infrastructure, while firmly uniting both nations on the global imperative of combating terrorism and fostering regional stability.
