Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming three nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman is not merely a sequence of bilateral visits; it is a carefully calibrated exercise in strategic diplomacy, aimed at reinforcing India’s ties with key partners in West Asia and Africa. At a time when the global order is being reshaped by multipolarity, energy transitions and South South cooperation, this journey underscores India’s intent to deepen its role as a trusted, balanced and constructive power in the Global South.
The first leg in Jordan comes at a significant moment: the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Hashemite Kingdom. Over decades, the relationship has been anchored in mutual respect, people to people ties and shared concerns about regional stability. In Amman, Prime Minister Modi will not only review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, from trade and investment to education and culture, but also engage in candid dialogue on pressing regional issues, including the situation in West Asia. Jordan’s role as a stabilising force in a volatile region makes it a natural partner for India, and this visit is expected to further institutionalise cooperation in areas such as food security, renewable energy and digital governance.
From Amman, the Prime Minister moves to Addis Ababa, marking his first visit to Ethiopia. As the diplomatic and political heart of Africa, Ethiopia holds a unique position in the continent’s architecture. India’s engagement with Ethiopia is rooted in a long history of solidarity, development partnership and support for African unity. This visit offers a platform to elevate India Ethiopia ties beyond traditional development cooperation into a broader strategic partnership, with scope for collaboration in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, digital infrastructure and capacity building. As both nations champion the cause of the Global South, the discussions are likely to focus on reform of multilateral institutions, inclusive globalisation and sustainable development.
The final leg in Oman completes a triangular diplomatic arc. India and Oman share a centuries old relationship built on maritime trade, cultural exchange and strong diasporic links. With Oman’s strategic location at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the bilateral partnership has a vital security and energy dimension. This will be Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Muscat, following Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s state visit to India in December 2023. The timing is significant: as India marks 70 years of diplomatic relations with Oman, the visit is expected to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture and culture. Oman’s role as a bridge between the Gulf and the wider Indian Ocean region also makes it a key interlocutor on regional peace and connectivity.
What ties these three visits together is a consistent theme: India’s commitment to a multipolar world where partnerships are based on mutual benefit, non alignment and respect for sovereignty. In Jordan, India reaffirms its role as a responsible stakeholder in West Asia; in Ethiopia, it strengthens its footprint in Africa; and in Oman, it reinforces a time tested maritime and energy partnership. Together, these engagements signal that India’s foreign policy is not reactive but proactive, shaping its neighbourhood and beyond through sustained, high level diplomacy.
In a world where great power competition is intensifying, India’s approach stands out for its emphasis on development, dialogue and de escalation. Prime Minister Modi’s tour is not about grand theatrics; it is about building durable partnerships that serve India’s long term interests while contributing to regional and global stability. As India steps into a more assertive global role, such diplomatic initiatives will be crucial in defining its place in the 21st century order.
