Trade, diplomacy and Africa push: What PM Modi aims to achieve from his trip to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman

Modi’s West Asia–Africa diplomacy push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin a three-nation tour next week, visiting Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman from December 15 to 18. The trip aims to deepen India’s trade, security, and strategic partnerships in West Asia and Africa, with a free trade agreement (FTA) with Oman expected to be a key outcome.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit will focus on “enhancing bilateral engagement, exploring new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and promoting regional peace, security, and stability.”

PM Modi will start his tour with a bilateral visit to Jordan from December 15–16 at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. During his stay, Modi will meet the king to discuss “the entire gamut of relations between India and Jordan, and exchange perspectives on regional issues,” the MEA said.

Key topics are expected to include counterterrorism, energy partnerships, and economic opportunities amid shifting regional dynamics. The visit coincides with 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan.

Modi and King Abdullah are also set to address the India-Jordan business event. According to the MEA, “India and Jordan share strong economic ties, with India being the third-largest trading partner of Jordan, and the bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at $2.8 billion.”

Connectivity between the two countries has improved in recent years. “Royal Jordanian has recently started direct flights between Amman and Mumbai and plans to expand its operations to New Delhi. Jordan provides a tourist visa on arrival to Indian tourists,” the ministry added.

The PM will also engage with the Indian community in Jordan, which numbers nearly 17,000, many of whom work in the garment sector, the Indian Embassy in Amman noted.

Following Jordan, Modi will travel to Ethiopia for a state visit from December 16–17. This marks his first visit to the East African nation, with discussions set to cover agriculture, investment, and development cooperation. Modi had previously met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in 2023.

According to the MEA, “Ethiopia is an important and trusted partner in the Global South and the African context. The current visit reflects India’s commitment towards deepening South-South Cooperation and strengthening our partnership with Africa.”

India and Ethiopia have a long-standing partnership in education, skilling, and capacity building. “India has been offering scholarship and training opportunities to Ethiopian students and professionals through iTech and ICCR scholarships,” the MEA said.

Trade and investment are central to the visit. Ethiopia is among India’s top three investment partners in Africa, with 650 Indian companies investing over $5 billion in sectors including agriculture, engineering, plastics, manufacturing, and textiles. Bilateral trade reached $571.52 million during 2023–24, the Department of Commerce reported.

MEA Secretary (South) Dr Neena Malhotra told ANI that the discussions will focus on “diversifying trade, enhancing connectivity, and identifying new opportunities for investment in infrastructure, IT, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.”

The PM will also meet the Indian diaspora in Ethiopia, particularly those in the education sector, numbering around 150 faculty members in universities and higher education institutions. Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of long-term concessional credit from India, with over $1 billion sanctioned across multiple sectors.

The final stop of Modi’s tour is Oman, from December 17–18. This is his second visit since 2018, and it coincides with 70 years of diplomatic ties. India and Oman are expected to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the MEA said.

The FTA negotiations began in November 2023 and concluded this year, with the Union Cabinet having approved the agreement ahead of the visit. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal may also attend the signing. The Shura Council of Oman has cleared the pact.

Bilateral trade between India and Oman remains robust, with total trade reaching $10.613 billion in 2024–25. Oman is India’s third-largest export destination among GCC countries. Key areas of cooperation include defence, energy, technology, trade, food security, and connectivity.

The MEA highlighted that Oman has offered spares of retired Jaguar aircraft from its Royal Air Force to India. Arun Kumar Chatterjee, MEA Secretary, said, “The Royal Air Force of Oman used to operate Jaguar jets, but they were retired from their service some time back. They have many spares of these aircraft, which they would be willing to transfer to us in the near future.”

Oman is India’s closest defence partner in the Gulf region, with all three wings of India’s armed forces conducting joint exercises with Oman’s military. The expected FTA signing could further strengthen bilateral relations, according to MEA officials.

PM Modi’s three-nation tour is designed to strengthen India’s global footprint in West Asia and Africa, boost trade and investment, and enhance security partnerships. The visits reflect India’s broader strategy of deepening South-South cooperation, promoting regional stability, and consolidating diplomatic and economic ties with key partners.

As the MEA noted, the tour will focus on promoting prosperity, security, and mutual growth while enhancing India’s influence in regions of strategic importance.

(With inputs from agencies)