In a remarkable diplomatic gesture underscoring the warmth between the two nations, Jordan's Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II took the wheel to drive Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jordan Museum on Tuesday. This special act of hospitality came during PM Modi's significant two-day visit to the Hashemite Kingdom, which marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan.
A Warm Welcome and Historic Context
The Prime Minister's visit commenced on Monday, where he was received at the airport by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. The visit is taking place at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. Upon arrival in the capital, Amman, PM Modi was greeted with enthusiasm by members of the vibrant Indian community. He interacted warmly with the crowd, including children, and witnessed a cultural performance arranged in his honour.
Expressing his gratitude on social media platform X, PM Modi stated, "Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by the Indian community in Amman. Their affection, pride in India’s progress and strong cultural bonds reflect the enduring connection between India and its diaspora." He also acknowledged the diaspora's role in strengthening bilateral relations.
This visit holds particular historical weight. According to Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this is Prime Minister Modi's first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan and is occurring after a gap of 37 years. While PM Modi had transited through Jordan in February 2018 en route to Palestine, the current visit is a dedicated state engagement.
Strengthening a Multifaceted Partnership
The core agenda of the visit revolves around high-level discussions with King Abdullah II. The leaders are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of India-Jordan relations, which the MEA describes as "warm and friendly relations marked by mutual trust and goodwill." The partnership spans several crucial areas:
- Political & Defence Cooperation: The relationship is bolstered by strong understanding at the leadership level. King Abdullah II visited India in 2018, and the two leaders have met four times since, most recently on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2024.
- Counter-Terrorism Collaboration: The MEA highlighted that the leaders also spoke in April 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack, during which King Abdullah II condemned the attack and reiterated Jordan's support for India's fight against terrorism.
- Economic and People-to-People Ties: Beyond strategic dialogues, the relationship is nurtured by robust economic cooperation and deep cultural connections facilitated by the Indian diaspora in Jordan.
Symbolism and the Path Forward
The Crown Prince's personal act of driving PM Modi is seen as a powerful symbol of respect and the close personal rapport between the leadership of the two countries. Such gestures are rare in diplomatic protocols and highlight the special status accorded to the Indian Prime Minister.
As the two nations celebrate 75 years of formal diplomatic engagement, PM Modi's visit is poised to inject fresh momentum into the relationship. The discussions are anticipated to explore new avenues for collaboration while consolidating existing partnerships in trade, defence, and cultural exchange. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that this visit would significantly boost bilateral ties, setting a forward-looking agenda for the next chapter in India-Jordan relations.
