Prime Minister Narendra Modi will start a three-nation tour next week. He will visit Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman. The trip will begin on Monday, December 15, and end on December 18.
The visit aims to deepen India’s trade, security, and strategic partnerships. It will also strengthen India’s presence in West Asia and Africa. During the visit, India and Oman are expected to finalise a free trade agreement.
First Stop Jordan: Focus on Trade and Security
PM Modi will begin his tour with a visit to Jordan. This will be his first bilateral visit to the country. He will be in Jordan from December 15 to 16. King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein invited him.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi will meet King Abdullah II to review the “entire gamut of relations between India and Jordan, and exchange perspectives on regional issues.”
Talks will focus on counterterrorism, energy cooperation, and new economic opportunities. The visit comes as India and Jordan mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Both leaders are also expected to address the India-Jordan business event.
“India and Jordan also share strong economic ties, with India being the third largest trading partner of Jordan, and the bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at $2.8 billion,” the MEA said.
Strong People-to-People Links With Jordan
Jordan has improved connectivity with India in recent years.
“Royal Jordanian has recently started direct flights between Amman and Mumbai and plans to expand its operations to New Delhi. Jordan provides a tourist visa on arrival to Indian tourists,” the ministry added.
PM Modi will also meet the Indian community during his visit. Around 17,000 Indians live in Jordan. Many work in the garment sector, according to the Indian Embassy in Amman.
The MEA said the visit aims to strengthen “India-Jordan bilateral engagement, explore new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and reiterate our commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability.”
Ethiopia Visit Highlights Africa Outreach
After Jordan, PM Modi will travel to Ethiopia from December 16 to 17. This will be his first visit to the East African nation.
He will hold detailed talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Discussions will cover agriculture, investment, and development cooperation. The two leaders last met during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in 2023.
“Ethiopia is an important and trusted partner in the Global South and the African context. The current visit reflects India’s commitment towards deepening South-South Cooperation and strengthening our partnership with Africa,” the MEA said.
This will be Modi’s third visit to Africa this year. Officials say it underlines India’s push to lead the Global South.
India’s Deep Economic Ties With Ethiopia
India and Ethiopia share a long partnership in education and skill development.
“India and Ethiopia share a long history of partnership in the sector of education, skilling and capacity building. India has been offering scholarship and training opportunities to Ethiopian students and professionals through iTech and ICCR scholarships,” the MEA said.
Ethiopia joined BRICS in 2023. It is one of India’s largest development partners in Africa. India also ranks among Ethiopia’s top three investment partners.
About 650 Indian companies have invested more than $5 billion in Ethiopia. These investments span agriculture, engineering, textiles, manufacturing, and floriculture.
Trade will be a key focus during the visit. India is Ethiopia’s second-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade stood at $571.52 million in 2023–24.
“The visit will also help consolidate cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas, including economy, trade, culture, and people-to-people contacts,” MEA Secretary (South) Dr Neena Malhotra said. She added that talks will focus on diversifying trade and boosting investment in infrastructure, IT, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Indian Community in Ethiopia
PM Modi will also meet the Indian diaspora in Ethiopia. Indians play an important role in the country’s education sector. Around 150 Indians work as faculty members in universities and higher institutions.
Ethiopia is also among the largest recipients of Indian concessional credit in Africa. India has approved more than $1 billion in lines of credit for various Ethiopian projects.
Final Stop Oman: Focus on Free Trade Deal
PM Modi will conclude his tour with a visit to Oman from December 17 to 18. This will be his second visit to the country since 2018.
India and Oman are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations.
During the visit, both sides are expected to sign a free trade agreement. The pact is officially known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA.
Talks on the agreement began in November 2023 and concluded this year. The Union Cabinet has already approved the deal. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal may also visit Oman for the signing.
Oman’s Shura Council has cleared the agreement as well.
MEA Confident About India-Oman CEPA
The MEA said several agreements are likely during the visit.
“We are all very optimistic about the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The teams from both sides have been working very hard for its early finalisation, and we have, we are working towards it. I can inform you that a number of documents that are expected to be signed during the visit are in the last stages of their finalisation,” the ministry said.
India has strong trade ties with Oman. Oman is India’s third-largest export destination among Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Bilateral trade reached $10.613 billion in 2024–25.
India already has a similar agreement with the UAE, in place since May 2022.
Defence and Energy High on Agenda in Oman
India and Oman plan to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation. Defence ties form a key part of this partnership.
Oman has offered to supply spare parts for Jaguar aircraft to India.
“The Royal Air Force of Oman used to operate Jaguar jets, but they were retired from their service some time back. They have many spares of these aircraft, which they would be willing to transfer to us in the near future and we are expecting that the supplies of those spare parts are likely to come in the coming days,” MEA Secretary Arun Kumar Chatterjee said.
Oman is India’s closest defence partner in the Gulf. It is also the first Gulf country to hold joint exercises with all three wings of India’s armed forces.
The MEA said hydrocarbon cooperation will also remain a focus. Defence, energy, technology, trade, food security, and connectivity will top the agenda during Modi’s Oman visit.
The expected FTA announcement could further strengthen India-Oman relations.