Amid the global uncertainty created by the U.S. tariff war and an increasingly conflict-ridden international environment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jordan, Oman, and Ethiopia holds considerable significance. In a rapidly changing global order, India has made it clear that it will not align itself with any single power bloc, nor will it yield to external pressure. Instead, India is determined to pursue an independent path, leveraging the opportunities of a multipolar world to explore new markets and exercise strategic choice. This three-nation tour has effectively highlighted India’s evolving diplomatic outlook. The warmth and respect extended to Prime Minister Modi were evident in Jordan, where Crown Prince Al Hussein personally drove him to the Jordan Museum—an uncommon gesture reflecting deep mutual regard. In Ethiopia, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali honored Prime Minister Modi with the Grand Collar of the Order of the Star of Ethiopia, the nation’s highest civilian award. This recognition underscores Modi’s steadfast commitment to the Global South and his role in strengthening India–Ethiopia relations. Notably, this marks the 28th foreign state honor conferred upon him. In West Asia, Jordan continues to be more than just a diplomatic ally for India; it also serves as a vital partner in ensuring India’s food security, further underlining the strategic importance of this visit.
India and Jordan have had diplomatic relations since 1950. In February 2018, Prime Minister Modi made a brief stop in Jordan while on his way to Palestine. Following this, King Abdullah of Jordan visited India on February 27, 2018. In recent years, Jordan has emerged as one of India’s most important trading partners. In 2024-25, bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to ₹22,537 crore, comprising ₹6,392 crore in exports and ₹16,144 crore in imports. India exports items such as minerals, mineral oil, grains, meat, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, coffee, tea, spices, and machinery. Conversely, India imports chemicals, fertilizers, phosphates, plastering materials, and cement from Jordan.
Only 167 Indians hold permanent residency in Jordan, although there are also 17,500 Indian expatriates living there. This time, the two countries signed five important agreements and agreed to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030. India has also received Jordan’s support in the fight against terrorism. Looking at Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ethiopia, it is strategically crucial. Ethiopia, the headquarters of the African Union, a member of BRICS, and a key player in the Global South, is witnessing the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 2011. This is not a delay, but rather a well-timed move. The $550 million in trade between the two countries, the strong presence of Indian pharmaceuticals, and India’s role in capacity building demonstrate that New Delhi considers Africa a major partner. This is a path of respect, training, and shared development, in stark contrast to China’s debt-trap model.
India exports pharmaceuticals, machinery, iron, steel, chemicals, plastic goods, and aluminum to Ethiopia, while we import pulses, spices, and leather from Oman. Now, let’s talk about the Prime Minister’s visit to Oman. The focus of this visit is the Indian diaspora. There are 675,000 Indian expatriates in Oman. Many of these Indians have been settled in Oman for 100-150 years. The relations between the two countries are 5,000 years old, although diplomatic relations were established in 1955. Oman is also a pillar of India’s maritime strategy. India’s growing presence at the Duqm port, an alternative logistics hub outside the Strait of Hormuz, is all part of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. The proposed signing of the India-Oman CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) will be the most concrete economic outcome of this visit. In fact, duty-free access on 95 percent of tariff lines and relief for up to 98 percent of Indian goods is a strategic trade move. In energy, green hydrogen, fertilizers, technology, and food security, India is moving forward on its own terms. The India-Oman free trade agreement will strengthen economic ties between the two countries. India has a unique ability to find solutions even amidst crises and stand on its own feet. Prime Minister Modi finds opportunities in every challenge and manages them effectively. India has now become a country that sets the agenda. In diplomacy, too, it does not act at anyone’s behest. India will have to face many economic challenges to become a developed nation. India is preparing for this without any external pressure.
