PM Modi and Jordan’s King discuss bilateral ties, exchange perspectives on regional and global issues

The recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jordan's King Abdullah II marks a significant milestone in India-Jordan relations, underscoring India's expanding diplomatic outreach and strategic interests in West Asia. This full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan, occurring after a considerable gap of 37 years, is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Such high-level engagements are crucial for competitive exam aspirants to understand India's foreign policy dynamics, historical relations, and contemporary geopolitical strategies.

Historically, India and Jordan have maintained cordial relations rooted in shared values and a common commitment to peace and stability. Diplomatic ties were formally established in 1947, immediately after India's independence, reflecting an early recognition of mutual importance. Both nations were prominent members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) during the Cold War era, advocating for sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs. High-level visits have occurred sporadically; for instance, King Hussein of Jordan visited India multiple times, and Indian President N. Sanjiva Reddy visited Jordan in 1980, followed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1981. However, the absence of a full-fledged bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister for nearly four decades highlights a period of relative dormancy, making the recent engagement a significant revival.

The key stakeholders in this interaction are primarily India, represented by Prime Minister Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs, and Jordan, led by King Abdullah II and its foreign policy establishment. For India, the visit aligns with its 'Look West' policy, aiming to deepen and diversify engagement with the West Asian region beyond traditional energy-centric relationships. India seeks to enhance cooperation in areas like trade, investment, counter-terrorism, defence, and technology. Jordan, a relatively stable and moderate voice in a volatile region, is crucial for India's strategic interests, offering a valuable partner in regional stability and counter-radicalization efforts. For Jordan, strengthening ties with a rapidly growing economic power like India provides opportunities for economic development, foreign investment, and leveraging India's global influence on regional issues, including the perennial Middle East peace process.

This visit holds immense significance for India across multiple dimensions. Geopolitically, it reinforces India's commitment to a balanced and diversified foreign policy in West Asia, avoiding over-reliance on any single bloc or country. By engaging with Jordan, India demonstrates its capacity to work with diverse partners to promote regional stability and address common challenges like terrorism. Economically, bilateral trade, though modest compared to other Gulf nations, has been steadily growing. Jordan is a key source of phosphates and potash, vital for India's agricultural sector. Enhanced engagement can open new avenues for Indian exports (agricultural products, textiles, machinery) and investments in Jordan's infrastructure and technology sectors. Strategically, cooperation on counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing is paramount, given the shared threat of extremist ideologies. Jordan's pragmatic approach to regional security makes it a valuable partner.

India's foreign policy, as articulated in **Article 51 of the Indian Constitution**, directs the state to "promote international peace and security; maintain just and honourable relations between nations; foster respect for international law and treaty obligations; and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration." This constitutional directive forms the bedrock for India's engagement with countries like Jordan, emphasizing peaceful co-existence and cooperation. The discussions on regional and global issues, including the Middle East peace process, resonate with India's long-standing support for a two-state solution and its commitment to a rules-based international order. India's evolving 'Look West' policy is not merely about economic gains but also about projecting India as a responsible global stakeholder contributing to regional peace and development.

Looking ahead, the future implications of this renewed engagement are promising. The visit is expected to pave the way for increased high-level exchanges, leading to concrete agreements in various sectors. Potential areas of future cooperation include renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, IT, and education. India's 'Act East' policy has seen tremendous success, and a similar vigour in its 'Look West' approach, exemplified by this visit, can yield significant strategic dividends. Enhanced collaboration with Jordan can also provide India with a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of the Arab world, allowing India to play a more constructive role in regional dialogues and multilateral forums. This engagement signifies India's growing confidence and proactive stance in shaping its geopolitical environment.