New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day official visit to Jordan on December 15-16, marking the first full bilateral engagement by an Indian prime minister to the Hashemite Kingdom in nearly four decades, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs.

The visit, at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Modi will hold delegation-level talks with the Jordanian monarch to review bilateral cooperation and exchange perspectives on regional issues, with particular focus on stability in West Asia.

Strategic and Economic Cooperation

During the visit, Modi will meet Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and address business leaders from both countries at an India-Jordan business event. The prime minister will also visit Petra, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, accompanied by the Crown Prince, highlighting cultural ties between the nations.

India has emerged as Jordan's third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at approximately USD 2.8 billion. Jordan supplies critical phosphates and potash to India, essential inputs for agriculture. The Jordan India Fertiliser Company, a joint venture between IFFCO and Jordan Phosphates Mines Company, commissioned in 2015, exemplifies long-term economic collaboration.

According to Manish Chauhan, India's Ambassador to Jordan, the visit represents "a very important time" to elevate bilateral ties to new levels. Both nations maintain close coordination on counter-terrorism, with shared positions against extremism and radicalisation.

The Jordan visit forms the first leg of Modi's three-nation tour, followed by state visits to Ethiopia (December 16-17) and Oman (December 17-18).