New Delhi, Dec 12 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman from December 15 to 18, as first visit of Indian PM to crisis-hit region rekindles hopes for Gaza crisis that continues to rage despite intervention of several world leaders. Modi’s visit starts with Jordan, the Hashemite Kingdom, on December 15–16 at the invitation of King Abdullah II. The visit conincides the 75th anniversary of India-Jordan diplomatic ties and comes 37 years after the last full bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister.
Briefing the media ahead of visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials – Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) and Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary CPV & OIA) – described the relationship as one marked by consistent political trust, counter-terror cooperation and deepening economic alignment.
To a question whether Gaza crisis could come up during discussions between the two leaders, MEA official replied, “The leaders will be discussing regional and international issues that interest both sides… can’t say right now exactly what topics will come up at this stage. Maybe after the visit, we’ll be able to update you on all the regional issues that might have come up during the leaders’ talks.”
“You asked if the two sides will talk about Palestine or Gaza. I don’t know exactly what they’ll discuss when they meet, but generally, when leaders of two countries meet, they talk about all kinds of issues – bilateral ones as well as regional matters. So, we expect that,” officials said.
“It’s possible that both leaders will discuss these matters. Regarding the Gaza peace plan, well, we welcome the signing of the first phase of the Gaza peace plan, and you know our position. We also attended the Sharm El Sheikh summit; our Minister of State for External Affairs was there, and we generally support any effort toward building a lasting and just peace,” officials added.
India is Jordan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade standing at USD 2.8 billion. Fertilizer cooperation remains a crucial backbone, supported by the USD 860-million Jordan India Fertilizer Company. Modi and King Abdullah will begin the visit with a one-on-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks, and the two leaders will jointly address a major business forum the next day. The Prime Minister will also meet members of the 17,500-strong Indian community and is scheduled to visit the ancient city of Petra, if weather permits.
From Jordan, Modi will travel to Ethiopia on December 16–17 for the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in more than a decade. The stop in Addis Ababa is set to reinforce India’s long-standing capacity-building partnership with Ethiopia, spanning scholarships, skill development, connectivity, trade diversification, and renewable energy cooperation under the International Solar Alliance. Several agreements are expected, covering investment, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, technology, and climate-related initiatives.
Modi will also address a joint session of Ethiopia’s Parliament and interact with the Indian diaspora.
In the final leg to the Sultanate of Oman on December 17-18, Modi will be revisiting Muscat seven years after his 2018 visit. Coming in the 70th year of India-Oman diplomatic relations, the visit will review the full spectrum of the countries’ strategic partnership, which covers maritime security, trade, energy, food security, green hydrogen, health, and defence cooperation.
With bilateral trade at USD 10.6 billion and an Indian diaspora of over 675,000 in Oman, officials expect the visit to deepen avenues for investment and finalise new agreements currently under negotiation. Modi is also scheduled to address business leaders and meet the Indian community.
