Bold opening: India’s Modi embarks on a three-nation West Asia–Africa journey that could reshape regional dynamics and economic ties, with Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman on the itinerary from December 15–18, 2025. But here’s where it gets controversial: can such high-profile visits translate into durable strategic dividends, or will they be constrained by domestic politics and regional uncertainties? This tour underscores Modi’s West-First approach—often labeled the Link West Policy—paired with a broader Africa Initiative aimed at strengthening India’s economic and strategic footprint across the continent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming trip to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman is designed to deepen strategic cooperation, broaden economic engagements, and reinforce enduring partnerships, while expanding India’s diplomatic reach in West Asia and Africa. The visits align with Modi’s stated foreign policy framework, emphasizing engagement with West Asian partners and a multi-pronged Africa outreach.
Jordan: December 15–16
The Jordan leg, at the invitation of King Abdullah II, also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The discussions are expected to explore new avenues of collaboration, notably in renewable energy and information technology. Jordan brings a stable, moderate voice to a volatile region, making it a valuable partner for India’s West Asia outreach. The two nations routinely align on counter-terrorism and regional security, and both support each other on international platforms, including discussions around India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
Economic and trade ties with Jordan are robust. India is Jordan’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade around $3 billion in 2023–24, underscoring a strong foundation in fertilisers and phosphates. The Jordan-India Fertiliser Company (JIFCO), a joint venture between IFFCO and Jordan Phosphate Mines, remains a cornerstone project with investments exceeding $860 million. Indian companies have also invested significantly in Jordan’s textile sector, with many garment units in Jordanian Qualified Industrial Zones benefiting from Jordan’s free-trade arrangements.
People, culture, and education matter as well. About 17,500 Indian nationals live and work in Jordan, contributing to both economies in textiles, construction, and manufacturing. Educational and cultural exchanges are active, and visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for Indian visitors support tourism growth. India provides ITEC slots and scholarships to Jordanian nationals to bolster capacity building.
Ethiopia: December 16–17
The next stop is Ethiopia, invited by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Ethiopia’s strategic significance to India rests on long-standing historical ties, a vigorous economic partnership, and cooperative engagement in education, capacity building, and regional diplomacy. Hosting the African Union headquarters makes Addis Ababa a pivotal hub for India’s Africa-centric outreach, symbolizing a broader alliance across the continent.
India ranks among Ethiopia’s top three foreign investors, with more than 600 Indian companies operating in manufacturing, agriculture, floriculture, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Bilateral trade has grown toward the $3 billion mark, positioning India as one of Ethiopia’s major trading partners. India exports pharmaceuticals, steel, machinery, and textiles, while importing pulses, oilseeds, spices, and leather. Ethiopia has been a leading beneficiary of Indian concessional financing, with over $1 billion committed to power transmission and sugar projects.
Education remains a cornerstone of the relationship. Indian teachers and professors have long contributed to Ethiopian schools and universities, driving human capital development. The ITEC program and the Pan-African e-Network project have supplied scholarships and technical training to Ethiopian students and professionals, further embedding India in Ethiopia’s development trajectory.
Oman: December 17–18
Concluding the trip, Modi will visit Oman at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. This will be Modi’s second visit to Oman and will coincide with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Cabinet’s recent approval of an India–Oman Free Trade Agreement paves the way for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with discussions expected on trade, investment, energy, defence, and technology cooperation.
Oman holds strategic importance for India’s West Asia policy and energy security. Located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and near the Hormuz Strait, Oman serves as a critical maritime partner for safeguarding sea lanes and ensuring energy shipments. The two countries enjoy a deep defence partnership; Oman is India’s closest Gulf ally, with joint exercises across all three services and access to Duqm Port for naval logistics and maintenance.
Economic ties are significant. Bilateral trade stood at roughly $10.6 billion in the 2024–25 financial year, and Omani investment supports thousands of Indian joint ventures, totaling more than $7.5 billion. The Oman-India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF) underpins strategic investments in India, while port development in Duqm, Sohar, and Salalah remains a shared priority. On the financial front, plans to link India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Oman’s Thawani digital wallet could ease cross-border transactions.
The Indian diaspora in Oman—about 700,000 people—acts as a living bridge, strengthening people-to-people ties and contributing to both economies. The cultural and historical links extend back to ancient maritime trade routes, with Hindu temples and related religious sites continuing to serve communities across Oman.
Why it matters
Modi’s upcoming visits are framed as pivotal for advancing India’s strategic, economic, and diplomatic objectives. Summit-level engagements are designed to foster closer ties, mutual understanding, and shared interests, while allowing leaders to build personal rapport that can smooth cooperation amid geopolitical tensions.
These trips reflect a broader, pragmatic foreign policy aimed at elevating India’s role on the global stage, particularly in a multipolar world where regional partnerships and development finance can unlock new opportunities for growth and security.
Note: The author is a retired Indian diplomat who has served as Ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. The views expressed are personal and not necessarily those of Firstpost.
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