New Delhi [India], December 16 (ANI): India and Jordan have set a target to double their bilateral trade to $5 billion over the next five years while strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including fertilizers, particularly phosphates, the Ministry of External Affairs said while addressing a special briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jordan.
The details of the visit were shared by MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra, who described the visit as historically significant. “It is the first full-fledged bilateral visit in 37 years,” she said, adding that “this visit also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between our two countries.”
Briefing the media, Malhotra said the discussions reflected strong convergence between the two sides on key security concerns. She noted that “the Jordanian side conveyed their support for India’s fight against terrorism and condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” She added that the Prime Minister “commended the leading efforts by His Majesty on de-radicalization and as a voice of moderation in the Islamic world.”
Economic cooperation was a central focus of the talks. Malhotra said the leaders discussed significant cooperation between the two countries in the field of fertilizers, especially phosphates, and highlighted that the Prime Minister proposed doubling bilateral trade to $5 billion within five years.
On broader geopolitical matters, she said the leaders reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the region.
Shortly after the briefing, Prime Minister Modi, along with King Abdullah II, is set to jointly address the India-Jordan Business Forum, which will be attended by leading business dignitaries from both countries.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah Al-Hashimi, is expected to visit the Jordan Museum.
Several agreements have been concluded to expand cooperation in key sectors. Malhotra said that during the visit, multiple memoranda of understanding and agreements were finalized in the fields of energy, digital technology, water management, culture, and people-to-people ties.
She also highlighted the strengthening of cultural relations, saying the Cultural Exchange Program for the years 2025–29 will further deepen ties between the two countries.
Malhotra added that both sides finalized a twinship agreement between the site of Petra and the Ellora Caves of Maharashtra. Under the agreement, the two sides will collaborate to promote and enhance social relations and cooperate in areas such as tourism and culture.
Digital cooperation was also addressed, with Malhotra noting that both countries agreed to further collaboration by finalizing a letter of intent to share successful digital solutions.
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