Prime Minister Narendra Modi is wrapping up a productive four-day diplomatic tour across Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, aimed at deepening India’s strategic, economic, and cultural partnerships in the Middle East and Africa.
The visit, spanning December 15 to 18, has featured high-level talks, significant agreements, and notable gestures of personal diplomacy, reinforcing India’s engagement with key Global South and regional partners.
The tour began in Jordan on December 15, where PM Modi held extensive discussions with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein in Amman. Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the leaders reviewed bilateral ties and agreed on a roadmap to enhance cooperation in trade, security, and regional stability. India and Jordan signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), boosting collaboration across multiple sectors.
In a highlight of the visit, Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II personally drove PM Modi to the Jordan Museum and later to the airport, underscoring the warmth of bilateral relations.
On December 16, PM Modi made his first bilateral visit to Ethiopia, the East African nation, at the invitation of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali. The trip elevated India-Ethiopia relations to a Strategic Partnership, with emphasis on shared civilizational links and cooperation as partners in the Global South.
In a historic honor, PM Modi became the first global leader to receive Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, the Great Honour Nishan. He also addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament. The visit concluded with another touching diplomatic gesture – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally driving PM Modi to the airport.
On December 17, PM Modi arrived in Muscat for the final leg of the tour, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties with Oman. Received with a ceremonial welcome and greeted enthusiastically by the Indian diaspora, the Prime Minister is set to hold talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Focus areas include defence, energy, trade, investment, maritime security, and technology, building on the strong historical and people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Throughout the visit, themes of mutual prosperity, counter-terrorism, and regional peace have been prominent, reflecting India’s growing influence in these strategic regions.