Modi, Jordan King Talk Trade, Boosting Security

New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with Jordan King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein at the Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman. During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to further deepen their partnership in the fields of trade and investment, defence and security, counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation, fertilizer and agriculture; infrastructure, renewable energy, and tourism and heritage. During their talks, first in restricted one-on-one format and later at delegation level, both leaders reaffirmed their united stand against terrorism. Five agreements were signed after the talks.

This is the first full-fledged bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Jordan in 37 years and comes at a time when both nations are commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations. PM Modi is on a three-nation visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman.

During the talks with King, PM Modi said their bilateral talks will give new impetus and depth to the relationship. “We will take forward cooperation in trade, fertilizers, digital technology, infrastructure and people to people ties,” PM said.

He appreciated the Jordan King’s role in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza. “You have played an active and positive role in Gaza right from the beginning. We all hope peace and stability will prevail in the region. We share a common and clear stance against terrorism. Under your leadership, Jordan has sent a strong and strategic message on terrorism, extremism and radicalisation. During our restricted meeting we have decided to strengthen our cooperation on this important issue,” Mr Modi said.

Modi recalled that during King Abdullah II's visit to India in 2018, they participated in a conference on Islamic heritage. "Your efforts to promote moderation are extremely important not only for regional peace but also for global peace," PM Modi told King Abdullah II.

“I remember in 2015 our first meeting was on the sidelines of the United Nations at an event focused to counter violent extremism where you had given inspirational remarks on the subject. Your efforts to promote moderation have been laudable, and are extremely important not only for regional but also global peace. We will continue to work together in this area and other areas of mutual cooperation,” PM said in his opening remarks during the delegation level talks.

On his part, King Abdullah II said PM Modi’s presence in Jordan carries deep significance as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. “I believe this visit reflects decades of friendship, mutual respect and productive cooperation between our two nations. Our nations enjoy a strong partnership, and they share a desire to advance prosperity for our people. Over the years, our collaboration has expanded across multiple sectors. Your visit provides an important opportunity to chart new paths of economic cooperation," King Abdullah II said.

India and Jordan signed five agreements following their bilateral talks. There were two MoUs in the field of new and renewable energy; and co-operation in the field of water resources management and development. There was a twinning agreement between Petra in Jordan and Ellora in India. Both sides also renewed the cultural exchange programme for the years 2025 to 2029. A letter of intent was also signed in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation.

Earlier, upon his arrival the PM was accorded a warm welcome by the government of Jordan. He was received at the airport by Jordan’s Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan, along with the Minister of Industry, the Mayor of Amman, the Governor of Amman.

In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, PM Modi thanked PM Jafar Hassan for the warm welcome at the airport and said he was sure this visit will boost bilateral linkages between the nations. He added that India and Jordan will keep working closely to further global good.

The PM was also accorded a warm welcome by the Indian community upon his arrival at his hotel. The PM wrote on X that the affection of the Indian community, pride in India’s progress and strong cultural bonds reflect the enduring connection between India and its diaspora. He expressed gratitude for the role the diaspora continues to play in strengthening India-Jordan relations

On Tuesday, PM will attend India-Jordan Business Forum before leaving for Petra, the historic city famous for its rock cut architecture and water conduit systems. Petra also shares ancient trade linkages with India.

Prior to his departure, PM had said he is embarking on a three-nation visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Sultanate of Oman, three nations with which India shares both age-old civilizational ties, as well as extensive contemporary bilateral relations. After Jordan, the PM will visit Ethiopia, followed by Oman.