PM Modi's Strategic Three-Nation Tour: Strengthening India's Diplomatic Ties with Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed from Delhi on Monday for a strategic three-nation diplomatic mission, beginning with Jordan at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein.

His visit to Jordan, scheduled from December 15 to 16, will include comprehensive discussions with King Abdullah II to evaluate the full spectrum of India-Jordan bilateral relations and exchange perspectives on regional developments.

The timing of this visit is significant as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan, an occasion expected to reinvigorate bilateral engagement between the nations.

During his stay in Jordan, Prime Minister Modi will also engage with members of the Indian diaspora community residing there.

In his pre-departure statement, PM Modi emphasized, "I am 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."

Following Jordan, the Prime Minister will travel to Ethiopia from December 16 to 17, marking his first official visit to the East African nation. In Addis Ababa, which also serves as the headquarters of the African Union, Modi will conduct detailed discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali concerning bilateral cooperation.

Regarding his Ethiopia visit, Prime Minister Modi stated, "I will pay my first visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa is also the headquarters of the African Union. In 2023, during India's G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20. In Addis Ababa, I will hold detailed discussions with H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali and also have the opportunity to meet the Indian diaspora living there."

A highlight of the Ethiopia leg will be PM Modi's address to the Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament. He expressed anticipation about "sharing my thoughts on India's journey as the 'Mother of Democracy' and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South."

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ethiopia visit aims to reaffirm the shared commitment of both nations, as partners in the Global South, to strengthen their friendship and bilateral cooperation.

The final destination of PM Modi's tour will be Oman, where he will visit from December 17 to 18 at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, marking his second visit to the Gulf nation.

"In Muscat, I look forward to my discussions with His Majesty the Sultan of Oman, and towards strengthening our Strategic Partnership as well as our strong commercial and economic relationship. I will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, which has contributed immensely to the country's development and in enhancing our partnership," the Prime Minister remarked.

The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that India and Oman share an all-encompassing Strategic Partnership founded on centuries-old ties of friendship, trade, and robust people-to-people connections. The visit coincides with 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and follows the Sultan of Oman's State visit to India in December 2023.

Both countries are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of cooperation across multiple domains including trade, investment, energy, defense, security, technology, agriculture, and culture, while also exchanging viewpoints on regional and global matters of mutual interest.