Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein at the Husseiniya Palace in Amman on Monday for delegation-level talks, marking his first bilateral visit to Jordan in 37 years. The leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional issues, and counter-terrorism efforts while celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors and addressing regional stability, particularly concerning Gaza.Prime Minister Modi recalled their previous interactions on extremism and moderation, including their first meeting at the UN in 2015 and the King’s visit to India in 2018.“During your visit to India in 2018, we participated in a conference on Islamic heritage. I recall that our first meeting also took place on the sidelines of the UN in 2015, at an event focused on countering violent extremism. Even then, you delivered inspirational remarks on this subject. Your efforts to promote moderation are extremely important not only for regional peace but also for global peace. We will continue to move forward concretely in this direction together. We will further strengthen all other dimensions of our mutual cooperation,” PM Modi said.PM Modi also acknowledged Jordan’s stance against terrorism and praised King Abdullah II’s role in promoting regional stability, particularly regarding Gaza.“You have played a very active and positive role on the issue of Gaza from the very beginning. We all hope that peace and stability will prevail in the region. We share a common and clear stance against terrorism. Under your leadership, Jordan has sent a strong and strategic message to all of humanity against terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation,” PM Modi stated.King Abdullah II welcomed the signing of new agreements and emphasized the potential for increased business cooperation.“We warmly welcome the signing of the agreements and MoUs during your visit, as they will further advance our cooperation and open new avenues for collaboration. We also look forward to the Jordan-India Business Forum taking place tomorrow as an opportunity to discuss business-to-business partnerships and the potential for joint investments in vital sectors,” the King said.The Jordanian monarch also highlighted the strong partnership between the two nations.“Our nations enjoy a strong partnership and a shared desire to advance prosperity for our peoples. And over the years, our collaboration has expanded across multiple sectors. Your visit today provides an important opportunity to chart new paths of economic cooperation across industry, ICT, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, and many more promising fields of mutual benefits for our people,” King Abdullah II stated.PM Modi was welcomed at the airport by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, who expressed optimism about the visit on social media.“It is an honor to welcome Prime Minister Modi of the Republic of India to Jordan today, as a valued guest, in a visit that reflects seventy-five years of close and enduring relations,” Hassan posted.Upon arrival at his hotel, PM Modi met with members of the Indian community in Jordan.“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. Also grateful for the role the diaspora continues to play in strengthening India-Jordan relations,” PM Modi shared on social media.India and Jordan maintain strong economic ties, with India being Jordan’s third-largest trading partner and bilateral trade reaching USD 2.8 billion. Jordan serves as a major supplier of fertilizers to India, particularly phosphates and potash. The country hosts an Indian diaspora of over 17,500 people working in various sectors including textiles, construction, and manufacturing.This visit marks the first stop of Modi’s four-day, three-nation tour.
