New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a three-nation tour beginning December 15, with stops in Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Thursday. The visit will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade and investment ties, and discussing regional security and stability.

The first leg of the tour will take Modi to Jordan from December 15 to 16 at the invitation of King Abdullah II. The two leaders are expected to review existing bilateral ties and explore avenues for further cooperation. This visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan, making it a significant opportunity to consolidate engagement across economic, cultural, and strategic domains. Key discussions will include regional stability, economic collaboration, and initiatives to promote peace and security in the broader Middle East region.

Following Jordan, Prime Minister Modi will make a state visit to Ethiopia on December 16 and 17, at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. This will be Modi’s first visit to Ethiopia, highlighting India’s interest in deepening its engagement with African nations. The talks are expected to focus on bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, agriculture, and capacity-building initiatives. The ministry described the visit as a reaffirmation of the shared commitment between India and Ethiopia, both prominent members of the Global South, to strengthen friendship and collaboration in pursuit of mutual growth and development.

The final leg of the tour will see Modi visit Oman from December 17 to 18 at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This will mark Modi’s second visit to Oman, reflecting the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. India and Oman share centuries-old bonds rooted in trade, maritime links, and people-to-people connections. The visit also commemorates 70 years of diplomatic relations and follows Sultan Haitham’s visit to India in December 2023. Key areas of discussion are expected to include trade, investment, energy cooperation, defense and security, technology collaboration, and regional and global developments.

The Prime Minister’s tour underscores India’s efforts to consolidate its diplomatic footprint across the Middle East and Africa while advancing strategic, economic, and cultural partnerships. By engaging with leaders in Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, the government aims to reinforce its vision of regional stability, mutual growth, and strengthened South-South cooperation.

In Jordan, Modi’s engagement with King Abdullah II is expected to highlight shared concerns about regional security, counterterrorism, and economic development. The visit will also provide an opportunity to explore collaborations in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and education, reflecting India’s commitment to comprehensive partnership with Middle Eastern nations.

Ethiopia represents a strategic focus for India in Africa, where India seeks to deepen its diplomatic and economic engagement. During discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Modi is likely to emphasize initiatives that enhance trade, technology transfer, and human resource development. The visit also signals India’s intent to collaborate closely with African nations in advancing the objectives of the Global South, with particular emphasis on sustainable development and shared prosperity.

The Oman visit will consolidate India’s longstanding strategic partnership with the Sultanate, covering areas of maritime security, energy cooperation, defense collaboration, and bilateral trade. The discussions are expected to include exploration of new investment opportunities, infrastructure development, and strengthening people-to-people ties, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and technology exchange. The two nations are also expected to discuss global and regional issues, reinforcing their commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

This three-nation tour reflects India’s broader foreign policy priorities, emphasizing engagement with key strategic partners in the Middle East and Africa. By promoting economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and security partnerships, the tour is expected to bolster India’s influence in these regions while supporting initiatives that contribute to regional stability and prosperity.

The external affairs ministry has noted that Modi’s engagements will aim to enhance trade and investment linkages, foster technological and scientific collaboration, and strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges. This tour is a continuation of India’s proactive diplomacy, seeking to build resilient partnerships that advance mutual interests and address shared challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.

Overall, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman from December 15 to 18 is positioned as a strategic diplomatic initiative that combines commemoration of historical ties with the exploration of contemporary avenues for cooperation. The trip is expected to reinforce India’s commitment to regional stability, trade and investment growth, and deepening strategic partnerships across the Middle East and Africa, setting the stage for sustained bilateral engagement in the years ahead.