New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday departed from the national capital on a three-nation tour covering Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman, aimed at strengthening India’s diplomatic, political and economic engagement with West Asia and Africa. The visit, scheduled from December 15 to 18, 2025, includes high-level bilateral meetings, interactions with Indian diaspora communities, and discussions on regional and global issues.

In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi described the three countries as nations with which India shares “age-old civilisational ties” as well as strong contemporary bilateral relations. The tour is expected to provide fresh momentum to India’s partnerships in the Global South and reinforce long-standing strategic ties.

First leg: Jordan visit from December 15 to 16

Prime Minister Modi’s first stop is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which he is visiting at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. During his two-day stay, the Prime Minister will hold talks with King Abdullah II to review the entire spectrum of India–Jordan relations and exchange views on key regional developments.

The visit holds special significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan. Officials said this milestone is expected to lend renewed energy to bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, education, culture and people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet members of the Indian community living in Jordan, acknowledging their contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries.

Focus on regional developments and bilateral ties

According to officials, discussions in Jordan will cover not only bilateral issues but also developments in West Asia and matters of shared concern. India and Jordan have traditionally maintained close coordination on regional peace, stability and counter-terrorism efforts.

The talks are expected to reaffirm mutual commitment to deepening cooperation in emerging areas while reinforcing the historical friendship between the two nations.

Second leg: First-ever visit to Ethiopia

In the second leg of his tour, Prime Minister Modi will travel to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia from December 16 to 17. This marks his first official visit to Ethiopia.

During his stay in Addis Ababa, the Prime Minister will hold detailed discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on all aspects of bilateral relations. Addis Ababa is also the headquarters of the African Union, giving the visit added diplomatic importance.

Referring to India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, Prime Minister Modi recalled that the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20 during that period. He said the Ethiopia visit would further strengthen India’s engagement with Africa and the Global South.

Address to Ethiopian Parliament and diaspora interaction

Prime Minister Modi will address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, where he is expected to speak about India’s democratic journey and its relevance to developing nations. “I look forward to sharing my thoughts on India’s journey as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and the value that the India–Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South,” he said.

He will also interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Ethiopia, recognising their role in fostering bilateral ties and contributing to the local economy.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of India and Ethiopia, as partners in the Global South, to deepen friendship and expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

Final leg: Visit to Oman from December 17 to 18

In the final leg of the tour, Prime Minister Modi will visit the Sultanate of Oman from December 17 to 18 at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This will be his second visit to the country.

In Muscat, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with the Sultan of Oman aimed at strengthening the India–Oman Strategic Partnership. Talks are expected to focus on trade, investment, energy cooperation, defence, security, technology, agriculture and cultural exchanges.

The Prime Minister will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, acknowledging their significant contribution to Oman’s development and to strengthening bilateral relations.

Strategic partnership and diplomatic milestones

The Ministry of External Affairs noted that India and Oman share an all-encompassing Strategic Partnership rooted in centuries-old ties of trade, friendship and strong people-to-people links. The visit coincides with 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and follows the Sultan of Oman’s state visit to India in December 2023.

Both sides are expected to comprehensively review cooperation in key sectors and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi’s three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman reflects India’s continued focus on strengthening partnerships across West Asia and Africa. With milestone anniversaries, first-time engagements and strategic dialogues on the agenda, the visit is expected to deepen India’s diplomatic footprint and reinforce its role as a key partner in the Global South.