Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-nation diplomatic tour this week, covering Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, has marked a significant push by India to strengthen its strategic influence in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape to its west. The visits, which concluded with substantive agreements, occurred against the backdrop of major shifts in the Middle East and Horn of Africa regions.
Navigating a Shifting Geopolitical Terrain
The tour, which took place in the week of December 20, 2025, was strategically timed. It came as the United States, under President Donald Trump, actively reshapes regional dynamics. Key developments include Trump's efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire, strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and a push to expand the Abraham Accords. India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, simultaneously visited Israel, showcasing India's balanced diplomacy across regional divides.
While India maintains productive ties with nearly all major players, except Turkey, new challenges are emerging. The warming relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, coupled with US attempts to involve the Pakistani military in Middle East security, serve as a reminder to New Delhi that the region cannot be taken for granted.
Key Outcomes from the Three Capitals
Each stop on the tour yielded distinct and important results, addressing different pillars of India's foreign policy.
In Amman, Jordan, PM Modi met with King Abdullah II to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations. Discussions extended beyond boosting trade to cover pressing regional issues like the situation in Gaza and collaborative counter-terrorism efforts.
The visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, resulted in a major upgrade. Bilateral relations were elevated to a "Strategic Partnership", complete with a detailed roadmap to fast-track cooperation in trade, investment, and defence. PM Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali also aligned on priorities for the Global South and the African Union's agenda.
In Muscat, Oman, India's oldest regional partner, the highlight was the signing of a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This pact is designed to significantly boost trade, generate jobs, and increase investments. PM Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq also reviewed deepening cooperation in defence and maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
The Persistent Challenge and Strategic Imperative
The three nations—Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman—are critically important for the geopolitics of India's western neighbourhood. The PM's tour successfully highlighted three core policy strands: security in the Middle East, economic development in Africa, and connectivity in the Indian Ocean.
However, a persistent challenge for Indian diplomacy remains the effective follow-up and implementation of decisions taken during high-level visits. With China expanding its economic footprint and Pakistan increasing its security engagements in these very regions, India cannot afford to be complacent. The tour underscores that New Delhi must proactively and consistently convert diplomatic agreements into on-ground reality to secure its strategic interests.
