India's West Asia and Africa alliances: PM Modi arrives in Amman on first leg of three-nation tour

During his stay from December 15 to 16, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold discussions with King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein to review the entire range of India-Jordan ties and to exchange views on key regional developments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received a ceremonial welcome on his arrival in Amman on Monday, marking the start of his official visit to Jordan. The Prime Minister is on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman — countries which enjoy civilizational ties and exceptional bilateral relations with India.

The visit to Jordan is taking place at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein and is focused on advancing bilateral relations between India and Jordan. Prime Minister Modi departed from New Delhi earlier on Monday to commence the multi-country engagement.

Importance of his visit to Jordan

The visit gains added importance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan, a landmark expected to further energise bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Modi will also interact with members of the Indian community in Jordan during the visit.

After concluding the Jordan leg, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Ethiopia from December 16 to 17, marking his first-ever visit to the African country.

Why his visit to Ethiopia assumes importance 

In his first visit to Ethiopia, the Prime Minister will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.

The Prime Minister will also hold discussions with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and meet the Indian diaspora.

Referring to the Ethiopia visit, Prime Minister Modi said, "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."

PM Modi’s last stop: Oman

The third and final leg of PM Modi’s three-nation tour is Oman. After his Ethiopia trip, he will be back in West Asia. This is going to be his second trip to Oman since 2018.  India and Oman are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties.

PM Modi, accompanied by a high-level delegation, will be in Oman from December 17–18, when the two countries are expected to sign a free trade agreement. Discussions between the two countries on an FTA, officially called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), began in November 2023, with the talks concluding this year.

Earlier, the Union Cabinet green-lit the FTA ahead of PM Modi’s visit. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal could also visit Oman for the signing of the pact.