New Delhi, 15 December (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is departing on Monday for a landmark four-day visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman from December 15-18, weaving ancient civilizational threads with dynamic modern partnerships in trade, security, and diaspora ties.

In his pre-departure statement, he underscored the itinerary's significance: commencing in Amman to commemorate 75 years of India-Jordan diplomatic relations since 1950, featuring bilateral trade exceeding $3 billion in phosphates, potash, and garments via joint ventures like the Jordan India Fertilizer Company.

PM Modi anticipates high-level talks with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, alongside an address to the Indian community bolstering construction and services sectors.Transitioning to Addis Ababa—African Union headquarters and a G20 permanent member since India's 2023 Presidency—his maiden Ethiopia trip (invited by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali) on December 16-17 will explore development pacts in agriculture, digital infrastructure, and skilling for the Global South, including a historic Joint Parliamentary Session on India's democratic legacy.

Culminating in Muscat (December 17-18) to celebrate 70 years of India-Oman bonds—with $12 billion annual trade in energy, ports, and defence—Modi will confer with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to elevate the strategic partnership, engaging Oman's 800,000-strong Indian workforce driving infrastructure and remittances.

This meticulously timed outreach, amid West Asia's flux and Africa's rise, aims to fortify economic corridors, counter-terrorism collaboration, and South-South synergy, reflecting India's assertive diplomacy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar