PM Modi's Oman, Jordan Tour Aims to Finalize Trade Deal, Deepen Ties in Strategic Region (Image: X)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Oman and Jordan in mid-December. This two-country visit highlights New Delhi’s growing focus on strategically important West Asia, balancing major economic interests with long-standing diplomatic ties.
In Muscat, the highlight is expected to be the long-awaited India-Oman Free Trade Agreement. Both countries already finalized negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) earlier this year. Oman is a key Indian Ocean neighbor and a close Gulf partner. The relationship is strengthened by regular joint military exercises and a massive Indian diaspora of over 676,000 people. Some Indian families have lived in Oman for nearly two centuries. Energy imports, such as crude oil, and exports of machinery and refined petroleum products make up the majority of the $12 billion in annual bilateral commerce.
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This will be PM Modi's first full bilateral visit to Jordan. King Abdullah II will host talks focused on expanding trade, investment, and discussions on regional security. While quieter, the economic relationship is growing strong. Bilateral trade reached nearly $2.9 billion last year, making India Jordan's fourth-largest trading partner. Indian companies have invested around $1.5 billion in Jordan's phosphate and textile industries. In industries like fertilizers, IT, and pharmaceuticals, both countries see opportunities for increased cooperation.
These back-to-back trips form a key part of India’s multi-layered West Asia policy, deepening engagement with Israel and Gulf nations like Oman, and supporting the Palestinian cause.Jordan is a key player in this landscape.This diplomatic push follows recent high-level meetings, including the first India-GCC Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh earlier this year. A broader India-Gulf Cooperation Council ministerial meet is also potentially on the cards in New Delhi come January.
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The goal of the visits is to convert deep historical and people-to-people connections into stronger economic and strategic ties. Immediate targets are a trade agreement with Oman and investment opportunities in Jordan, while also securing India’s energy and regional influence.
