Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a three-nation visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman, aimed at deepening India’s diplomatic, economic and people-to-people ties across West Asia and Africa.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from New Delhi on Monday on a significant diplomatic tour covering Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman, a visit the government has described as rooted in India’s “age-old civilisational ties” and expanding contemporary strategic partnerships.
The visit, scheduled between December 15 and 18, is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, reviewing existing cooperation frameworks, and engaging with the Indian diaspora across the three countries.
In a statement issued before his departure, the Prime Minister said the tour would provide an opportunity to “further deepen India’s relations with trusted partners” and address regional and global developments of mutual interest.
First Stop: Jordan
PM Modi’s visit to Jordan from December 15 to 16 comes at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan.
During his stay, the Prime Minister is expected to hold wide-ranging talks with Jordanian leadership to review cooperation across sectors such as trade, defence, security, education, and cultural exchange. Regional developments in West Asia are also likely to feature prominently in discussions.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Jordan, acknowledging their role in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Calling the visit historic, PM Modi said it marks an important milestone in India–Jordan relations and reflects the shared commitment to expanding bilateral engagement.
Ethiopia Visit: Focus on Africa and Global South
In the second leg of the tour, PM Modi will travel to Ethiopia from December 16 to 17, marking his first visit to the country.
Ethiopia holds strategic importance for India, with Addis Ababa serving as the headquarters of the African Union (AU). The Prime Minister is expected to hold detailed discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on strengthening bilateral ties across political, economic and development sectors.
India’s engagement with Africa, particularly within the framework of the Global South, is expected to be a key focus of the visit. PM Modi noted that during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the grouping, underlining India’s support for greater African representation in global decision-making.
The Prime Minister will also address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, where he is expected to speak on India’s democratic journey and the value of the India–Ethiopia partnership.
Additionally, PM Modi is scheduled to meet members of the Indian community living in Ethiopia.
Final Leg: Oman
The last leg of the Prime Minister’s tour will take him to Oman from December 17 to 18, at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This will be PM Modi’s second visit to Oman.
India and Oman share a long-standing Strategic Partnership, underpinned by centuries-old ties in trade, culture and maritime links. The visit coincides with 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of cooperation in areas including trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture and culture, while also exchanging views on regional and global issues.
The visit follows the Sultan of Oman’s state visit to India in December 2023, reflecting sustained high-level engagement between the two nations.
PM Modi will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, acknowledging their significant contribution to Oman’s development and to bilateral ties.
Strengthening India’s Global Outreach
The Ministry of External Affairs said the three-nation tour underscores India’s commitment to strengthening partnerships across West Asia and Africa, regions that play a crucial role in India’s foreign policy and economic engagement.
The visit is expected to reaffirm India’s role as a key partner for the Global South, while reinforcing historical ties and expanding cooperation in emerging areas.
As the Prime Minister engages with leaders and communities across Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman, the tour is being closely watched for its potential to shape India’s diplomatic priorities in the coming years.
