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According to India Today, the tour begins in Jordan on December 15-16, followed by Ethiopia on December 16 and 17 and ends in Oman on December 17 and 18.
This international visit follows PM Modi’s presence at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, when India highlighted the objectives and inclusive growth of the Global South. The visit is also meant to boost commerce and discuss regional stability, particularly the Gaza ceasefire.
Despite not having substantial oil wealth, observers say Jordan has become an important trade and investment partner for India, offering expansion opportunities in industries such as infrastructure, textiles and pharmaceuticals.
It is expected that Oman will give priority to formalizing comprehensive economic cooperation. The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, an important milestone that highlights the long-term nature of the partnership.
Although this will be PM Modi’s second visit to Oman, his only prior visit to Jordan was in 2018, when he visited the nation on his way to Ramallah, and created history as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Palestine. Although discussions for a free trade agreement between India and Oman have ended, the agreement has not been officially signed yet.
According to officials, the visit could advance the pending Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (commonly called CEPA) that provides for increased market access, increased investment flows and closer cooperation in energy, commerce and maritime security.
Another important goal is to improve relations with Ethiopia. Africa is key to New Delhi’s long-term foreign policy strategy, and state-level partnerships with Ethiopia, one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies, could lead to greater trade, defense cooperation and development cooperation.
Along with his visit to South Africa, PM Modi recently completed a two-day visit to Bhutan, his first official visit to the Himalayan country after the inauguration of the new administration. Meetings with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck were part of the visit.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, relations with Bhutan are “a unique and enduring partnership based on mutual trust, understanding and goodwill.”