Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent three-nation visit—which included Jordan, Oman, and Ethiopia—was not merely a series of diplomatic meetings but a clear and meaningful shift in India’s foreign policy. The visit signifies that India is moving beyond formal relations with the Gulf and Arab world to establish strategic partnerships. Whereas India’s past ties were largely limited to energy and manpower, these relations now extend to trade, investment, culture, technology, and geopolitical cooperation.
In Amman, the capital of Jordan, Prime Minister Modi received a warm and respectful welcome. King Abdullah II—who traces his lineage directly to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—addressed the India-Jordan Business Forum, openly praising India’s economic progress. He stated unequivocally that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has achieved remarkable development and that Jordan seeks to elevate this partnership to new heights.
The King’s vision of connecting Jordan’s strategic location and free trade agreements with India’s industrial and economic strength to create an economic corridor linking South Asia to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe reflects India’s expanding geographical and strategic role.
A memorable moment of the visit was when a Jordanian prince personally drove Prime Minister Modi to the Jordan Museum and later saw him off at the airport. In diplomatic circles, such gestures are not mere protocol; they symbolize personal respect, trust, and the depth of bilateral relations. This moment highlighted that Arab leadership now views Indian leadership not merely as a partner but as a senior global leader.
During the visit, both countries set a target to increase bilateral trade to five billion dollars over the next five years. Agreements on culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure, and twin cooperation between historic sites like Petra and Ellora further strengthen the relationship not just economically, but also culturally and technologically.
In Oman, Prime Minister Modi was received by the Sultan of Oman’s brother and Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs, underscoring the importance of the visit. The awarding of Oman’s highest civilian honor to Prime Minister Modi by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq not only recognizes the strength of bilateral ties but also validates Modi’s leadership on the global stage. With this honor, Modi joined a select group of global figures including Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela.
It is also notable that five of the six Arab nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council have previously conferred their highest civilian awards upon Prime Minister Modi, clearly reflecting India’s growing stature in the region.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between India and Oman is historic. It is Oman’s second-largest trade agreement in nearly two decades; previously, such an agreement existed only with the United States. This demonstrates Oman’s view of India as a reliable and long-term partner.
Under this agreement, over 98% of Omani tariff lines will grant zero-duty access to Indian products, benefiting sectors like textiles, jewelry, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and automobiles. Additionally, it will create employment opportunities, strengthen MSMEs, artisans, and women-led businesses, while sensitive sectors will be protected to safeguard local interests.
There was a time when it was believed that Modi’s tenure might create distance between India and the Arab world. The reality, however, has been the opposite. Today, the Arab world not only stands with India but accords Prime Minister Modi extraordinary respect, honors, and trust. This transformation indicates that India is no longer seen merely as an emerging economy but is recognized as a responsible, reliable, and influential global power.
