India–Jordan Relations Deepen as PM Modi’s Visit Marks 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has marked a significant diplomatic milestone, as India and Jordan celebrated 75 years of formal diplomatic relations. The two-day visit reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two nations and laid the foundation for a broader, future-oriented partnership. Invited by King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, the visit reflected the growing importance of India-Jordan ties in a rapidly changing regional and global landscape.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1950, India and Jordan have maintained warm and cooperative relations based on mutual respect, shared values and consistent political engagement. The anniversary provided an opportunity for both sides to review past achievements and outline an ambitious roadmap for the coming decades.

Nestled between Israel, Syria, and Gaza with Iraq, Jordon occupies a position of such geographic precarity that stability itself becomes an asset. Image: ANI | Firstpost

High-Level Talks and Strategic Dialogue

During bilateral discussions in Amman, Prime Minister Modi and King Abdullah II held wide-ranging talks covering political, economic, security and regional issues. Both leaders emphasised the importance of sustained high-level engagement and regular dialogue to strengthen mutual understanding and coordination.

The talks highlighted convergence on regional stability, peace and the fight against terrorism and extremism. India and Jordan reiterated their commitment to working together at bilateral and multilateral platforms, underlining their shared belief in dialogue, diplomacy and respect for sovereignty as the basis for resolving conflicts.

Expanding Economic and Trade Cooperation

Economic engagement featured prominently during the visit, with both sides recognising the need to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade and investment. With trade valued at over USD 2 billion in recent years, Prime Minister Modi proposed an ambitious target of doubling bilateral trade to USD 5 billion within the next five years.

Discussions focused on diversifying the trade basket and enhancing cooperation in sectors such as fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, textiles and information technology. Jordan’s role as a key supplier of phosphatic fertilisers to India was acknowledged, with both sides exploring avenues for deeper collaboration and long-term partnerships in the sector.

The India-Jordan Business Forum held during the visit further strengthened private-sector engagement, bringing together business leaders to explore new opportunities in trade, investment and industrial cooperation.

Agreements and Emerging Areas of Collaboration

The visit resulted in the signing of several important agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across critical sectors. These included partnerships in renewable energy, water resource management, digital public infrastructure, and cultural exchange. Cooperation in water management and climate resilience assumed particular importance given Jordan’s water scarcity challenges and India’s experience in sustainable resource management.

Digital cooperation also emerged as a key focus area, with India offering to share its expertise in scalable digital public infrastructure. This collaboration is expected to support governance reforms, service delivery and innovation in Jordan while deepening technological ties between the two nations.

Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Bonds

Cultural and civilisational links formed an important part of the visit, reflecting the soft-power dimension of India-Jordan relations. A renewed Cultural Exchange Programme and the twinning of Petra in Jordan with India’s Ellora Caves symbolised a shared commitment to preserving heritage, promoting tourism and encouraging academic and cultural exchanges.

These initiatives aim to strengthen people-to-people connections, particularly among youth, scholars and artists, and to deepen mutual appreciation of each other’s history and traditions.

India’s Broader Engagement with West Asia

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jordan also highlighted India’s expanding engagement with West Asia. Jordan’s strategic location, political stability and constructive regional role make it an important partner in India’s broader West Asia policy, which seeks deeper economic integration, energy security and strategic cooperation.

Both sides discussed regional and global developments, reaffirming their shared interest in peace, stability and inclusive growth across the region.

The MGMM Outlook

India–Jordan relations have steadily evolved into a mature and forward-looking partnership, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit marking 75 years of diplomatic ties underlined this trajectory. The engagement reflected continuity as well as ambition, rooted in decades of mutual respect and political understanding since ties were established in 1950. High-level discussions between Prime Minister Modi and King Abdullah II reaffirmed convergence on regional peace, counter-terrorism, and the importance of dialogue and sovereignty in addressing conflicts. Jordan’s strategic stability and constructive role in West Asia align well with India’s broader regional outreach, making the partnership relevant not only bilaterally but also in a wider geopolitical context.

Economic cooperation and future-oriented collaboration stood out as central pillars of the engagement. With bilateral trade already crossing USD 2 billion, the push to significantly expand trade and diversify sectors such as fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, technology, renewable energy and water management signals a shift towards deeper economic integration. India’s experience in digital public infrastructure and sustainable resource management offers practical value for Jordan, while cultural initiatives like heritage collaboration and people-to-people exchanges strengthen the civilisational connect. Together, these elements reflect a relationship that is moving beyond symbolism, focusing on tangible cooperation, shared growth and long-term strategic alignment.

(Sources: Firstpost, Business Standard, DD News)