Expressing hope for lasting peace and stability in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underscored the importance of combating terrorism, extremism and radicalisation during talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Amman.
According to an Indian readout, King Abdullah conveyed strong support for India’s fight against terrorism and condemned terror in all its forms and manifestations. Modi, in turn, reaffirmed India’s support for ongoing efforts to achieve durable peace in the region.
Modi arrived in Amman for the first full-fledged bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Jordan in 37 years. He had earlier transited through the country in 2018 en route to Palestine. The Jordan visit is part of Modi’s three-nation tour that also includes Ethiopia and Oman.
The two leaders discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas such as trade, fertilisers, digital technology and infrastructure. Referring to the situation in Gaza, Modi said Jordan’s role had been “active and positive” from the outset and expressed hope that peace and stability would prevail in the region.
Jordan, for its part, said the discussions also covered the need to scale up humanitarian assistance in Gaza and ensure implementation of the agreement to end the war in the Strip. Emphasising shared concerns, Modi said both countries had a clear and common stance against terrorism, extremism and radicalisation, and praised Jordan’s leadership in promoting moderation.
During an earlier restricted meeting, the leaders explored ways to further strengthen cooperation in countering extremism. Modi recalled King Abdullah’s participation in a 2018 conference on Islamic heritage during his India visit and their first meeting in 2015 on the sidelines of the UN, which focused on countering violent extremism. He said the King’s efforts to promote moderation were vital not only for the region but for global peace.
In a special gesture, Modi was received at the Amman airport by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and accorded a ceremonial welcome. The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Noting that India is Jordan’s third-largest trading partner, Modi proposed a target of raising bilateral trade to $5 billion over the next five years. On the sidelines of the visit, the two countries are set to sign memoranda of understanding on renewable energy and water resource management, a cultural exchange programme, a letter of intent on digital transformation, and a twinning agreement between Petra and the Ellora Caves.
In his departure statement, Modi said India shares deep civilisational ties as well as strong contemporary relations with the countries on his current tour.
