Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to Jordan has set a bold new economic target and reinforced a strategic partnership built on a shared commitment to regional peace and security. During high-level talks with King Abdullah II at the Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman on Monday, December 16, 2025, the leaders charted an ambitious course to significantly elevate bilateral engagement.
A Historic Visit and a Bold Economic Vision
The visit, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan, was marked by special gestures, including PM Modi's reception at the airport by his Jordanian counterpart, Jafar Hassan. In discussions that covered both restricted and delegation-level formats, the two leaders warmly recalled their long-standing ties.
At the heart of the economic discussions was a concrete proposal from the Indian Prime Minister. Noting that India is already Jordan's third-largest trading partner, PM Modi proposed that the two nations should aim to enhance bilateral trade to US$ 5 billion over the next five years. This ambitious goal underscores the potential both sides see in deepening economic linkages.
Key sectors identified for collaboration include trade and investment, defence and security, renewable energy, and critical minerals. A significant point of discussion was the fertilizer trade, where Jordan is a crucial supplier to India. Official statements revealed that companies from both countries are in advanced discussions for further substantive investment in Jordan to meet India's growing demand for phosphatic fertilizer.
Digital Bridges and a United Front Against Extremism
Beyond traditional trade, the leaders focused on futuristic cooperation in the digital domain. PM Modi called for collaboration between Jordan's digital payment system and India's highly successful Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This move could pave the way for seamless financial transactions and greater economic integration.
On geopolitics and security, the talks were unequivocal. Both leaders reiterated their "common and clear stance against terrorism." PM Modi praised King Abdullah II's "active and positive role" on the Gaza issue and his leadership in sending a strong global message against terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation. He expressed hope that peace and stability would prevail in the region.
King Abdullah II, in turn, conveyed strong support for India's fight against terrorism and condemned it in all forms. The Jordanian monarch noted that PM Modi's visit "carries deep significance" and reflects decades of friendship and productive cooperation.
Building on a Legacy of Cooperation
PM Modi expressed confidence that the meeting would impart new impetus and depth to the relationship. He highlighted ongoing cooperation in infrastructure and people-to-people ties, and recalled the King's 2018 visit to India for a conference on Islamic heritage, commending his efforts to promote moderation for regional and global peace.
The visit was also substantiated with the finalisation of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements span diverse fields including culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure, and a twinning arrangement between Jordan's iconic heritage site Petra and India's Ellora caves.
Following the talks, PM Modi is scheduled to meet the India-Jordan business forum and visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Petra before departing for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the next leg of his tour. This comprehensive engagement in Jordan marks a strategic step in strengthening India's ties with a key West Asian nation, balancing economic ambition with shared security concerns.
