Jordan crown prince drives Modi: Why PM's visit to Amman is significant for India

Crown Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II on Tuesday drove Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jordan Museum.

In a rare gesture, Jordan Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on Tuesday drove Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jordan Museum on Tuesday.

This is PM Modi’s first full-fledged bilateral visit to the country amid the turmoil in West Asia. PM Modi reached Jordan on Monday at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. The visit comes as India and Jordan mark 75 years of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

After his visit to Jordan, the PM will head to Ethiopia on Tuesday where he will stay for two days.

According to reports, the talks between the two leaders focused on expanding cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, counterterrorism and de-radicalisation, fertilisers and agriculture, renewable energy and tourism.

At the India-Jordan Business Forum, King Abdullah II praised the economic growth of India under the leadership of PM Modi. He also highlighted Jordan's strategic potential as a hub for expanding trade and economic cooperation, which would have far-reaching impacts that link South Asia to the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

On Tuesday, in a post on X, PM Modi hailed the outcomes of his visit to Jordan, noting they mark an important and meaningful step in the expansion of ties between New Delhi and Amman.

Both the countries inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.

PM Modi said India and Jordan can turn geography into long-term economic opportunity by reviving historic trade routes

Jordan is small and has less population compared to other neighbouring West Asian countries. However, it is important due to its strategic location. Being situated at the crossroads of three major continents, namely, Asia, Africa and Europe, Jordan provides a rare case of political stability in the region.

India is Jordan’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade worth $2.875 billion in 2023-24.

India also imports a significant amount of fertiliser from Jordan. — making it a key part of India’s food security push. India has also invested in the potash and phosphate sectors in Jordan.

According to Indian Express, the Jordan India Fertilizer Company, a joint venture between IFFCO India and the Jordan Phosphates Mines Company, was set up with an investment of $860 million and produces and exports phosphoric acid to India. The JV is a major source of phosphoric acid for India.

Both India and Jordan are also currently planning to expand their growing partnership to other niche areas such as AI, IT, and green energy.

The Jordan King was also one of the first world leaders who spoke to the PM after the Pahalgam terror attack. During the phone call on April 24, he condemned the attack and said terrorism should be rejected in all its forms and manifestations. He also reiterated his support for India’s fight against terrorism.