PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Jordan: From Taj to Petra, Traditions, Trade, and Timeless Ties—Celebrating A Diamond Jubilee of Dialogue

Seventy-five years after shaking hands for the first time, India and Jordan are rediscovering the quiet power of sustained friendship. As India charts its path through West Asia and Africa, alliances like Jordan are anchors of stability and vision. Prime Minister Modi’s arrival in Amman on December 15 marks the start of a historic two-day visit that underscores this enduring partnership.

A Historic Bond Before Independence

Few partnerships in West Asia trace their origins to before independence—India and Jordan are one such rare diplomatic story. Their first cooperation agreement dates back to 1947 and diplomatic relations were established in 1950. Since then, the relationship has steadily deepened across political, economic, and cultural spheres.

High-level exchanges have guided the partnership. King Abdullah II visited India in 2018, President Pranab Mukherjee visited Jordan in 2015, and Prime Minister Modi and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval have made several key visits. These interactions provide continuity and strategic direction, ensuring the relationship adapts to evolving regional and global dynamics.

During his two-day stay, Prime Minister Modi will hold extensive discussions with King Abdullah II. The agenda covers trade, defence, cultural exchanges, regional security, and cooperation in global fora. Modi’s interactions with the Indian diaspora in Jordan will also highlight the community’s contribution to bilateral ties.

Behind the Handshakes: Trade, Investment, and Growth

Behind the diplomatic handshakes lies a deeper story—of phosphates, fertilisers, textiles, and a steadily expanding trade corridor. What began as cautious trade has matured into billion-dollar confidence. India is now Jordan’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 2.875 billion in 2023–24.

Indian investments, around USD 1.5 billion, focus on key sectors such as phosphates, fertilisers, textiles, and garments. Joint ventures like the IFFCO–Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and the Indo-Jordan Chemical Company exemplify long-term economic collaboration. Institutional mechanisms such as the Trade and Economic Joint Committee support sustainable growth.

Economic ties extend beyond numbers—they symbolize trust and mutual confidence. Regular working groups and consultations ensure cooperation is not only transactional but strategic, aligning the two economies on shared priorities like industrial growth, energy, and infrastructure development.

Investing in Minds and Culture

Perhaps the most enduring investments are not made in minerals, but in minds. Seventeen thousand stories of work, culture, and belonging form the human bridge between the two nations. Indian expatriates in Jordan contribute across construction, healthcare, education, and manufacturing, enriching the social and economic fabric of the country.

From celebrating Diwali with traditional lights and sweets to conducting yoga sessions in Amman’s parks, the community transforms the city into a vibrant cultural mosaic. Their efforts reflect how culture travels where politics cannot, fostering mutual understanding and goodwill.

During previous exchanges, officials envisioned a “Twinship” between Agra and Petra. Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, and Petra, Jordan’s rose-red city, are centuries apart geographically but united in symbolism. This initiative bridges heritage and tourism, creating cultural links that strengthen people-to-people ties.

Educational and skill-building initiatives also deepen connections. The India–Jordan Centre of Excellence in IT trains Jordanian professionals in advanced digital skills. Scholarships under ITEC and ICCR programmes continue to grow, reflecting trust in India’s capacity-building and long-term commitment to knowledge sharing.

Shared Values: Moderation and Harmony

Both countries emphasize moderation, interfaith harmony, and peaceful coexistence. In a region often marked by polarization, this shared philosophy sets them apart. Such values align closely with India’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the idea that the world is one family.

Jordan’s initiatives, like the Amman Message and the Aqaba Process, promote tolerance, peace, and interfaith dialogue. India’s approach to regional stability and global cooperation complements this. Together, the two nations demonstrate that diplomacy built on shared ethical principles can endure beyond immediate interests.

The partnership’s strength lies not only in trade or politics but also in shared vision. Both countries consistently advocate dialogue, inclusivity, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, setting a model for cooperation in a challenging regional environment.

Diplomacy in Motion

Prime Minister Modi’s visit follows careful preparation. Two days before his arrival, Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, visited Jordan. She met senior officials to review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and regional developments, emphasizing dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

Dr. Malhotra also engaged with Indian diaspora representatives, business leaders, and cultural figures. Discussions included the proposed Agra-Petra Twinship, highlighting the creative blending of heritage, tourism, and diplomacy. Such groundwork ensures that high-level visits yield concrete outcomes and strengthen long-term ties.

Regular institutional exchanges, such as the Trade and Economic Joint Committee and upcoming Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi, provide platforms for sustained collaboration and strategic planning, ensuring that engagement continues beyond ceremonial visits.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit yielded concrete results. Several agreements were signed, reflecting a forward-looking partnership:

1. MoU on Technical Cooperation in New and Renewable Energy – paving the way for joint projects in clean and sustainable energy.

2. MoU on Water Resources Management & Development – a crucial step for addressing regional water challenges.

3. Twinning Agreement between Petra and Ellora – linking Jordan’s iconic rose-red city with India’s monumental Ellora caves, reinforcing cultural and tourism ties.

4. Renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (2025–2029) – ensuring continued collaboration in arts, education, and heritage.

5. Letter of Intent on Digital Solutions – cooperation in sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale, highlighting innovation and smart governance.

These initiatives show that diplomacy is not just ceremonial—it produces tangible benefits for people, culture, and the economy.

Looking Ahead: A Global South Connection

Following Jordan, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Ethiopia and Oman, extending India’s engagement across Africa and the Gulf. Each visit signals India’s broader vision of fostering trade, culture, and stability in strategically important regions.

In Ethiopia, Modi will hold talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, marking India’s first official visit to the country. In Oman, discussions with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will further deepen India’s engagement in the Gulf. These visits collectively strengthen India’s ties with key partners in the Global South.

The Human Bridge Endures

A diamond jubilee of dialogue reminds us that friendship, once sown, can grow across generations. India and Jordan exemplify a relationship where economics, culture, and diplomacy intersect to create bonds that are as human as they are strategic.

From phosphates and joint ventures to Diwali lights illuminating Amman, the story of India and Jordan is one of enduring trust and mutual respect. Their partnership shows that diplomacy is not just about policies or agreements—it is about people, culture, and the shared pursuit of peace and prosperity.

Seventy-five years later, friendship continues to flourish, proving that the seeds sown decades ago can grow across generations and borders, nurturing a bond that is as warm as it is strategic.