Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a four-day, three-nation tour on Monday, December 15, which includes official stops in Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman. The Prime Minister stated that the tour would serve as a vital opportunity to review bilateral relations with the three key nations and to engage directly with the extensive Indian diaspora residing there.
In a statement released before his departure, PM Modi highlighted India’s “age-old civilisational ties and extensive contemporary bilateral relations” with all three countries.
First Stop: Jordan (December 15–16)
PM Modi’s first destination is Jordan, where he is visiting at the invitation of King Abdullah II. The visit holds special significance as it marks 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
- Key Engagements: Modi will hold discussions with King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. He also expressed eagerness to engage with Crown Prince Al Hussein.
- Diaspora: “In Amman, I will also meet the vibrant Indian community who have made significant contributions to India–Jordan relations,” Modi said.
Second Stop: Ethiopia (December 16–17)
From Amman, the Prime Minister will travel to the East African nation of Ethiopia at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. This marks Modi’s first-ever visit to the country.
- African Union Focus: Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, serves as the headquarters of the African Union (AU), which was admitted as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency of the bloc.
- Key Events: Modi will hold detailed discussions with PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. Crucially, he will have the “privilege to address the joint session of Parliament,” where he looks forward to sharing his thoughts on India’s role as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and the value of the India-Ethiopia partnership for the Global South.
- Diaspora: He will also meet with the Indian diaspora living in Addis Ababa.
Final Stop: Oman (December 17–18)
The final leg of the tour takes PM Modi to Oman, a visit structured around the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and the Sultanate.
- Economic Focus: Modi confirmed he will hold discussions with the Sultan of Oman to further strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership and the strong commercial and economic relationship.
- Expected Agreement: People familiar with the matter indicated that India and Oman are expected to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during the visit.
- Diaspora: Modi concluded by stating he will address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, recognizing their immense contribution to the country’s development and the enhancement of the India-Oman partnership.