PM Modi to visit Jordan, Ethiopia & Oman next week

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman from December 15 to 18, in what officials describe as a calibrated diplomatic push across West Asia and Africa amid shifting regional dynamics and India’s expanded role in the Global South.

Modi’s first stop will be Jordan, where he will meet King Abdullah II on December 15 and 16. The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and is expected to bolster cooperation in trade, security, counterterrorism and development partnership. New Delhi is also looking to exchange views on the evolving regional situation and signal its support for broader peace and stability in West Asia.

From Jordan, the Prime Minister will travel to Ethiopia for his first State visit on December 16-17. He will hold comprehensive discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on enhancing bilateral trade, capacity-building, digital public infrastructure and agriculture.

As two prominent voices of the Global South, the talks are expected to reinforce convergences on development priorities and South-South cooperation.

Modi will conclude the tour in Oman on December 17-18. The visit marks 70 years of diplomatic relations and follows Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s State visit to India in 2023. India and Oman, longstanding strategic partners with centuries-old cultural and commercial ties, will review collaboration in defence, maritime security, energy, investment, technology and food security. Both sides are also expected to discuss regional and global issues shaping the Gulf and the Indian Ocean Region.

Officials said the three-nation itinerary underscores New Delhi’s intent to deepen political, economic and security partnerships across regions central to India’s strategic and diaspora interests.