India’s Prime Minister undertook his first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan in 2025, holding extensive discussions with King Abdullah II. Earlier, he had visited Jordan briefly in February 2018 while en route to Palestine.
The 2025 visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan and aimed at transforming a stable partnership into a future-oriented strategic relationship.
Summary of the Visit
The visit sought to elevate India–Jordan relations by setting ambitious economic and strategic goals, including a USD 5 billion bilateral trade target and cooperation in digital transformation.
At the same time, both sides acknowledged constraints such as Jordan’s narrow economic base and geopolitical sensitivities in West Asia, which may limit the pace of deeper engagement.
Key Outcomes of the Visit
MoUs and Agreements Signed
Five key agreements were concluded during the visit:
MoU on Technical Cooperation in New and Renewable Energy
MoU on Cooperation in Water Resources Management and Development
Twinning Agreement between Petra (Jordan) and Ellora (India)
Renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (2025–2029)
Letter of Intent on Sharing Population-Scale Digital Solutions for digital transformation
Trade and Economic Goals
Both countries agreed to enhance bilateral trade to USD 5 billion over the next five years. India is currently Jordan’s third-largest trading partner.
Regional and Global Alignment
The leaders reaffirmed a strong condemnation of terrorism and shared views on ensuring regional peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation.
Strategic Significance of Jordan in India’s West Asia Policy
Geopolitical Bridge
Jordan is a pro-Western, moderate Arab constitutional monarchy with a peace treaty with Israel, enabling India to balance its relations with Israel, Arab states, and Iran without being drawn into sectarian rivalries.
Regional Stabiliser
Jordan hosts a large refugee population, mainly Syrians, and its sustained humanitarian role enhances its credibility as a regional stabilising force.
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
Engagement through platforms such as the Aqaba Process (2015), the Defence MoU (2018), and Jordan’s participation in SOFEX reflects growing defence and counter-terrorism convergence.
Diplomatic Support
Jordan’s influence within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) helps India counter adverse narratives, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir, owing to Jordan’s generally balanced stance.
Jerusalem Custodianship
Jordan’s custodianship of Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem positions it as a key player in regional de-escalation, aligning with India’s interests in regional stability and diaspora security.
Corridor and Logistics Hub
Jordan is emerging as a linchpin in the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
During the Red Sea crisis, overland routes via Saudi Arabia and Jordan gained importance, highlighting Jordan’s role in resilient regional logistics and post-conflict reconstruction in Iraq and the Levant.
Jordan: Country Profile
Location: West Asia; borders Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the West Bank
Physical Features: Predominantly desert (over 80%), fertile Jordan River Valley, rocky highlands
Population: Predominantly Arab; significant Palestinian refugee population (~one-third); majority Muslim with a Christian minority
Urbanisation: About 75% urban
Maritime Access: Port of Aqaba on the Red Sea
Modern History: Established as Transjordan (1920); independence in 1946
Arab-Israeli Conflict: Wars in 1948 and 1967; peace treaty with Israel in 1994 (Wadi Araba Treaty)
Pillars of the India–Jordan Bilateral Relationship
Diplomatic Engagement
Diplomatic relations were established in 1950 and are reinforced through regular high-level interactions, coordination at the UN, and mutual support against terrorism.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
Bilateral trade stood at USD 2.875 billion in FY 2023–24
Jordan India Fertiliser Company (JIFCO) makes Jordan a key supplier of phosphates and potash for India
Over 15 NRI-owned garment units operate in Jordan, with investments of around USD 500 million
Defence and Security
An MoU on Defence Cooperation (2018) underpins military and security collaboration.
Science and Technology
The India–Jordan Centre of Excellence in IT at Al-Hussein Technical University, equipped with PARAM Shavak supercomputer, aims to train 3,000 Jordanian IT professionals in advanced technologies.
People-to-People Ties
Around 17,500 Indians work in Jordan across healthcare, IT, education, and services. Cultural ties are strengthened through Bollywood, festivals like Jerash, and academic exchanges.
Personal Diplomacy
The Jordanian Crown Prince’s personal engagement with the Indian Prime Minister symbolised warm and trust-based relations.
Challenges in the India–Jordan Partnership
Structural Trade Imbalance
Trade remains concentrated in a few commodities, making it vulnerable to price volatility and limiting high-technology collaboration.
Economic Constraints in Jordan
High unemployment (~21%) and public debt nearing 90% of GDP (2024) restrict Jordan’s economic flexibility.
Geopolitical Sensitivities
Jordan’s foreign policy is closely tied to the Palestinian issue, making sustained cooperation vulnerable during regional crises.
Connectivity Limitations
Limited air connectivity, with only one Amman–Mumbai flight, constrains tourism, business, and investment flows.
Way Forward: Strengthening India–Jordan Relations
Economic Diversification
Both countries should move towards value-chain integration, MSME cooperation, startups, and supply-chain resilience through a Strategic Economic and Technology Dialogue.
Digital and Governance Cooperation
India can share expertise in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), enabling digital payments, e-governance, and scalable public service delivery.
Green and Water-Secure Partnership
Cooperation in solar energy, green hydrogen, desalination, water recycling, and smart irrigation can address Jordan’s water and energy challenges.
Regional Stabilisation Role
Jordan can serve as a base for humanitarian assistance, reconstruction logistics, skilling, and health missions in West Asia.
Cultural and Connectivity Enhancement
Expanding direct flights, promoting film tourism, and strengthening cultural collaborations like Petra–Ellora twinning will deepen people-to-people ties.
Conclusion
India’s Prime Minister’s 2025 visit to Jordan marks a qualitative shift from goodwill to strategic ambition. By focusing on trade diversification, digital integration, green cooperation, and regional security, India and Jordan can transform their 75-year-old partnership into a resilient and future-ready strategic alliance
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