The North News
New Delhi, December 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a three-day, three-nation tour of Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman, describing the countries as valued partners with which India shares deep civilisational links and expanding contemporary relationships. In a departure statement, Modi said the visit would underline India’s long-standing engagement with West Asia and Africa, while also strengthening political, economic and people-to-people ties.
The first stop will be Jordan, at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Modi said he would hold talks with the king, Jordan’s Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. He is also expected to meet members of the Indian community in Amman, whom he described as playing a significant role in strengthening bilateral ties.
From Jordan, Modi will travel to Ethiopia on the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, in what will be his first visit to the country. Addis Ababa, which also hosts the headquarters of the African Union, holds particular significance for India following the AU’s admission as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023.
During the visit, Modi is expected to hold detailed discussions with Abiy Ahmed and meet the Indian diaspora. He will also address a joint session of Ethiopia’s parliament, where he plans to speak about India’s democratic journey and the potential of the India–Ethiopia partnership in advancing the interests of the Global South.
The final leg of the tour will take Modi to Oman, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In Muscat, he is scheduled to meet the Sultan of Oman to discuss ways to strengthen the strategic partnership, as well as commercial and economic cooperation. Modi will also address the Indian diaspora, which he said has made a significant contribution to Oman’s development and bilateral relations.
