PM Modi Departs For Ethiopia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent foreign tour marked an important phase in India’s diplomatic outreach, highlighting strong bilateral relations and future-oriented cooperation with key partner nations. The visit reflected India’s growing global influence, its commitment to cultural diplomacy, and its focus on economic and strategic collaboration across regions.
Conclusion of Jordan Visit and Diplomatic Gesture
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his official visit to Jordan before departing for Ethiopia, the second destination of his three-nation tour. The visit to Jordan was marked by warmth and mutual respect, symbolising the deep-rooted ties between the two countries. A notable moment came when Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II personally accompanied the Prime Minister to the airport, an uncommon and meaningful diplomatic gesture. This act was widely seen as a reflection of trust, friendship, and the strong relationship shared by India and Jordan at the highest levels of leadership.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the visit was productive and reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. Such gestures in diplomacy often underline personal rapport and long-standing goodwill, which play a crucial role in international relations.
Cultural Engagement at the Jordan Museum
Before departing from Jordan, Prime Minister Modi visited the Jordan Museum alongside the Crown Prince. The visit focused on exploring the ancient civilizational links between India and Jordan, reinforcing the idea that cultural heritage forms a strong foundation for modern diplomatic relations. The leaders reflected on centuries-old connections that have historically linked the two regions through trade, culture, and ideas.
The tour of the museum was led by Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, Vice-Chair of the Jordan Museum, who provided insights into the country’s rich archaeological and historical legacy. The visit highlighted India’s emphasis on cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation, and people-to-people connections as key elements of foreign policy.
India-Jordan Business Forum and Economic Cooperation
During his stay in Amman, Prime Minister Modi addressed the India-Jordan Business Forum, an event attended by King Abdullah II and the Crown Prince. In his address, the Prime Minister outlined several priority sectors where both nations can enhance trade, investment, and business collaboration. These included digital public infrastructure, financial technology, health technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, fertilisers, green energy, and sustainable infrastructure development.
The Prime Minister encouraged businesses and startups from both countries to explore partnerships that promote innovation, resilience, and shared prosperity. The discussions also highlighted the potential for India and Jordan to emerge as reliable global supply-chain partners, aligning with evolving international economic dynamics.
Arrival in Ethiopia and Diaspora Engagement
Following the conclusion of the Jordan leg, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ethiopia, marking his first official visit to the country. Members of the Indian diaspora in Ethiopia welcomed the visit enthusiastically, describing it as a historic and iconic moment for bilateral relations. The visit holds special significance as Ethiopia is often referred to as the Land of Origins and plays a central role in African regional affairs.
Members of the Indian community expressed optimism about deeper cooperation, particularly in healthcare and medical research. Collaborative projects between Indian and Ethiopian hospitals have already contributed to improved healthcare services, with plans for further expansion and capacity building supported by Indian expertise and investment.
High-Level Talks and Strategic Importance of Ethiopia
During his two-day state visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold detailed discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. He will also address a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament, underlining the importance India places on parliamentary diplomacy and democratic engagement.
The Prime Minister noted that Addis Ababa hosts the headquarters of the African Union, making Ethiopia a strategically important partner for India’s engagement with the African continent. He recalled that during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member, a move that strengthened Africa’s voice in global governance.
Final Leg of the Three-Nation Tour
After completing his engagements in Ethiopia, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Oman, concluding the final leg of his three-nation tour. The visit to Oman is expected to further enhance ties in areas such as trade, energy cooperation, and regional stability, reinforcing India’s balanced and forward-looking foreign policy approach.
