New Delhi: In a rare and symbolic gesture underscoring the warmth of India–Jordan ties, Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on Tuesday personally drove Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jordan Museum in Amman. The gesture came during PM Modi’s two-day official visit to the West Asian nation, undertaken to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan.
The visit is significant not only for its timing but also because it is Prime Minister Modi’s first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan. Officials described the crown prince’s personal involvement as reflective of the close understanding and mutual respect shared between the leaderships of the two countries.
Warm reception and diaspora outreach
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Amman on Monday evening, where he was received by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan at the airport. Soon after his arrival, the Indian leader was accorded a warm welcome by members of the Indian community living in Jordan. PM Modi interacted with people gathered to greet him, including children, and watched a cultural performance organised to mark the occasion.
Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the reception. He said he was deeply touched by the affection shown by the Indian diaspora and noted that their pride in India’s progress and cultural roots reflected the enduring bonds between the two nations. He also acknowledged the important role played by the diaspora in strengthening India–Jordan relations.
Rare royal gesture highlights closeness
On Tuesday, Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II personally drove PM Modi to the Jordan Museum, a move described by diplomatic observers as a rare and meaningful gesture. Such personal gestures by members of the Jordanian royal family are seen as strong signals of trust and friendship, particularly in the context of state visits.
The Jordan Museum showcases the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, and the visit was aimed at highlighting shared civilisational values and people-to-people connections between India and Jordan.
High-level talks with King Abdullah II
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold extensive discussions with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. The talks are expected to cover the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including political engagement, economic cooperation, defence ties and cultural exchanges. Regional and global issues of mutual concern are also likely to be discussed.
Ahead of the visit, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra said that India and Jordan share warm and friendly relations marked by mutual trust and goodwill. She noted that the relationship spans political, economic and defence cooperation, along with strong people-to-people ties.
Long gap between bilateral visits
This visit assumes added importance as it comes after a gap of 37 years since the last full bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Jordan. PM Modi had earlier transited through the country in February 2018 while travelling to the State of Palestine. Although that was officially a transit visit, Jordan had accorded him exceptional courtesies, making it more than a routine stopover.
Since King Abdullah II’s visit to India in 2018, the two leaders have met four times, including their most recent interaction on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2024. They have also remained in touch through regular telephone conversations.
Shared stand against terrorism
Security cooperation and counter-terrorism are key pillars of the India–Jordan relationship. According to MEA officials, the two countries share a strong understanding at the leadership level on issues related to regional stability and the fight against terrorism.
In April 2025, following the terror attack in Pahalgam, King Abdullah II spoke with Prime Minister Modi, strongly condemning the attack and reiterating Jordan’s support for India’s fight against terrorism. PM Modi has repeatedly praised Jordan’s role as a stabilising force in the region and its firm stand against extremism.
Looking ahead
Officials on both sides have expressed confidence that Prime Minister Modi’s visit will provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties. Areas such as trade, investment, defence manufacturing, education and cultural exchanges are expected to see renewed focus in the coming years.
As India and Jordan celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, the rare gesture by the Jordanian crown prince and the high-level engagements during the visit underline the depth of the partnership and signal a shared commitment to further strengthening strategic and people-centric ties.