India–Jordan Ties Get Strategic Push

Why in News ?

The Prime Minister of India paid his first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan in 2025, holding wide-ranging talks with King Abdullah II. The visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of India–Jordan diplomatic relations, signalling an intent to upgrade traditionally warm ties into a future-oriented strategic partnership.

Background and Context

India and Jordan have shared cordial relations since 1950, marked by political trust, limited but stable trade, and cooperation in multilateral forums. However, the relationship remained relatively under-leveraged compared to India’s deeper engagements with Gulf states.

Amid a volatile West Asia, weakening multilateralism, and India’s growing strategic footprint in the region, Jordan’s role as a moderate, stabilising Arab monarchy has gained renewed importance. The 2025 visit sought to recalibrate ties beyond symbolism towards trade, digital cooperation, defence, and regional connectivity.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

MoUs and Institutional Agreements

Five major agreements were concluded:

• Technical Cooperation in New & Renewable Energy
• Cooperation in Water Resources Management & Development
• Twinning Agreement between Petra and Ellora
• Renewal of Cultural Exchange Programme (2025–2029)
• Letter of Intent on sharing population-scale digital solutions for digital transformation

Trade and Economic Ambitions

• Target to raise bilateral trade to USD 5 billion in five years
• India is already Jordan’s 3rd largest trading partner

Political and Security Convergence

• Joint condemnation of terrorism
• Shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and moderation

Strategic Significance of Jordan for India’s West Asia Policy

Geopolitical Bridge

• Jordan is a pro-West, constitutional monarchy with a peace treaty with Israel
• Enables India to balance ties with Israel, Arab states, and Iran without sectarian entanglement

Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

• Collaboration through the Aqaba Process (2015)
• Defence MoU (2018) and participation in SOFEX
• Strong military-to-military and special forces engagement

Multilateral and Diplomatic Support

• Jordan’s influence within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) often helps moderate anti-India narratives
• Balanced stance on Kashmir-related issues

Regional Stability and Connectivity

• Custodianship of holy sites in Jerusalem gives Jordan leverage in de-escalation
• Strategic role in the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
• Emergence as an overland logistics hub during Red Sea disruptions

Jordan: Key Facts

• Location: West Asia; borders Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the West Bank
• Geography: Predominantly desert; fertile Jordan River Valley
• Population: Largely Arab, with a large Palestinian refugee population
• Capital: Amman
• Maritime Access: Port of Aqaba (Red Sea)
• Political History:
  • British Mandate (Transjordan) → Independence in 1946
  • Peace Treaty with Israel (Wadi Araba, 1994)

Pillars of India–Jordan Relations

Diplomatic Engagement

• Relations established in 1950
• Regular high-level interactions at UNGA and bilateral platforms

Trade and Economic Cooperation

• Bilateral trade: USD 2.875 billion (FY 2023–24)
• Jordan India Fertiliser Company (JIFCO) ensures India’s access to phosphates and potash
• Over 15 Indian-owned garment units in Jordan (≈ USD 500 million investment)

Defence and Security

• Defence Cooperation MoU (2018)
• Growing focus on counter-terrorism and special operations

Science, Technology and Digital Cooperation

• India–Jordan IT Centre of Excellence at Al-Hussein Technical University
• Supercomputer PARAM Shavak supports training in AI, cybersecurity, and big data

People-to-People Ties

• ~17,500 Indians in Jordan (healthcare, IT, education)
• Strong cultural resonance through Bollywood and festivals

Challenges in the Partnership

• Narrow Trade Basket: Dominated by fertilisers, cereals, and petroleum products
• Economic Constraints in Jordan: High unemployment and public debt limit expansion
• Geopolitical Sensitivities: Israel–Palestine tensions constrain policy flexibility
• Connectivity Gaps: Limited direct flights restrict tourism and business flows

Way Forward

• Diversify Trade: Focus on MSMEs, startups, value chains, and services
• Digital Partnership: Share India’s DPI and UPI experience
• Green & Water Cooperation: Solar energy, green hydrogen, desalination, irrigation
• Regional Gateway Role: Use Jordan as a hub for humanitarian aid and reconstruction
• Improve Connectivity: More direct flights and digital collaboration platforms