PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Jordan Marks 75 Years of Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day state visit to Jordan on December 15-16, 2025, a trip that celebrates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan. This visit is significant as it marks the first full-fledged state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Jordan in over 25 years, underscoring the evolving diplomatic landscape between the two nations.

India’s Ambassador to Jordan, Manish Chauhan, emphasized the importance of this visit, noting, “This is one of the most memorable phases in the history of New Delhi-Amman relations.” The timing and context of the visit signal a desire from both countries to enhance their bilateral ties beyond conventional diplomacy towards more strategic cooperation.

Historical Context of India-Jordan Relations

The relationship between India and Jordan has a rich history, founded on mutual respect and political goodwill. The two nations established their first formal agreement for cooperation and friendship in 1947, officially coming into effect in 1950 after India became a republic. Over the decades, they have supported each other in various international fora, including the United Nations, with Jordan consistently backing India’s candidacy for key international roles.

Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit comes at a pivotal moment, as both countries are eager to deepen their collaboration across multiple sectors, including political, economic, military, and cultural domains. Discussions will likely cover pressing regional issues, particularly the stability of West Asia, where Jordan plays a crucial role.

Strengthening Economic Ties

Economic relations remain a focal point of Modi’s visit. Currently, India ranks as Jordan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately $2.8 billion. The two nations are poised to explore further cooperation in sectors such as fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, engineering products, and energy.

Investment from India has also been significant, with around 15 Indian public sector companies investing close to $500 million in Jordan, particularly in the Qualified Industrial Zones. These zones are vital production hubs, providing employment opportunities for thousands. During the visit, PM Modi is expected to participate in an India-Jordan business meeting alongside King Abdullah II, highlighting the growing economic relationship.

The visit also holds broader implications for India’s foreign policy, especially as it seeks to expand its influence in the Middle East. Ambassador Chauhan noted that this engagement could enhance India’s presence and partnerships in the region.

Engaging with the Indian Diaspora

Another important aspect of Modi’s visit is his interaction with the Indian community in Jordan, which numbers approximately 18,000 individuals. This community is well-integrated into various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education, contributing significantly to the Jordanian economy. The Indian embassy has indicated that outreach efforts to this diaspora will be a key component of the Prime Minister’s visit.

In recent years, people-to-people ties between India and Jordan have been strengthened, marked by the introduction of direct flights by Royal Jordanian Airlines between Amman and Mumbai, with plans to expand to New Delhi. Additionally, a visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian tourists has been implemented, facilitating greater travel between the two nations.

This visit to Jordan marks the first leg of Prime Minister Modi’s three-nation tour, which continues to Ethiopia on December 16-17 and then to Oman on December 17-18. This series of visits underscores India’s proactive foreign policy approach in both West Asia and Africa.

Overall, Modi’s visit to Jordan on December 15-16 is a landmark occasion, combining symbolism and substantive engagement as both nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. As Ambassador Chauhan stated, this visit not only reflects the enduring friendship between India and Jordan but also represents a significant step towards elevating their relationship to new heights.