India and Jordan Strengthen Ties, Pledge to Counter Terrorism and Promote Regional Peace

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jordan marked a significant milestone in the countries' diplomatic relations, with the two leaders focusing on bolstering cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, defense, and security. Modi's three-nation tour began in Jordan, a country he has described as a vital partner in the region, before heading to Ethiopia and Oman. The visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of India-Jordan diplomatic ties. During talks at Al Husseiniya Palace, Modi and Jordanian King Abdullah II emphasized the importance of countering terrorism and extremism. Modi praised King Abdullah's leadership in this regard, noting that Jordan has sent a strong message to the world on the need to combat these threats. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a united stand against terrorism, with King Abdullah expressing strong support for India's efforts to combat the menace. The situation in Gaza was also a key topic of discussion, with Modi highlighting King Abdullah's active role in finding a peaceful solution to the crisis. Both leaders reiterated the need for peace and stability in the region, with Modi reaffirming India's support for efforts to achieve durable peace. The two countries also explored ways to deepen their cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, renewable energy, fertilizers, IT, and digital technologies. Modi proposed a target of $5 billion in bilateral trade over the next five years and called for collaboration between Jordan's digital payment system and India's United Payments Interface (UPI). The visit resulted in the signing of memorandums of understanding for cooperation in renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure, and culture, as well as a twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora. The talks were followed by a banquet dinner hosted by King Abdullah, during which Modi extended an invitation to the Jordanian monarch to visit India, which he accepted. The visit is seen as a significant step forward in strengthening India-Jordan relations and promoting regional peace and stability.