Terrorism, food security on the agenda as PM Modi arrives in Jordan: Why the visit matters

Prime Minister Modi, who will be in Jordan on December 15 and 16, will meet King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, who has been among those taking part in the Israel-Palestine peace process.

On the talks table

A moderate Islamic nation in West Asia, Jordan has positioned itself as a bulwark against radicalisation, extremism and terrorism. The country is also playing an important role in the West Asia peace process. New Delhi and Amman are likely to discuss a common position in dealing with terrorism as a global challenge. The terrorist attack in Australia’s Bondi Beach will inevitably come up during the discussions, sources said.

Also on the discussion agenda are the Gaza peace plan, India’s food security needs and defence.

Range of bilateral ties

India is Jordan’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade worth $2.875 billion in 2023-24. 

India imports a significant amount of fertiliser from the country — making it a key part of India’s food security push — and has also invested in the potash and phosphate sectors there. There is further potential for such investments to secure India’s requirements.

The Jordan India Fertilizer Company, a joint venture between IFFCO India and the Jordan Phosphates Mines Company, was set up with an investment of $860 million and produces and exports phosphoric acid to India. The JV is a major source of phosphoric acid for India.

In terms of investment, more than 15 garment companies, owned by NRIs, with a cumulative investment of $500 million are located in the Qualified Industrial Zones.

India and Jordan also signed an MoU on defence cooperation in 2018.  

Jordan is home to an Indian community of around 17,500, mostly in the garment, construction and manufacturing sectors and in the UN and other multilateral organisations. 

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Previous meetings

PM Modi had passed through Jordan in February 2018 while on his way to the State of Palestine. But the King accorded him exceptional courtesies, making it more than just a transit visit. The current full bilateral visit is taking place after an interval of 37 years.

Modi’s February 2018 trip was soon followed by the King’s visit in February-March 2018.

Since then, both leaders have met on several occasions: on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly in New York in September 2019 and the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh in October 2019; COP28 in Dubai in December 2023; and on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2024. 

The Jordan King was one of the first world leaders who spoke to the PM after the Pahalgam terror attack. During the phone call on April 24, 2025, he condemned the attack and said terrorism should be rejected in all its forms and manifestations. He also reiterated his support for India’s fight against terrorism.

The two leaders also spoke over the phone in October 2023 to discuss the developments in Gaza and shared mutual concerns regarding terrorism, violence and loss of civilian lives.