Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to undertake an official visit to Oman and Jordan during the December 15–19 period, although confirmed dates have not yet been issued by the government.
Preparatory work for the two-nation tour is underway, with discussions likely to cover trade, connectivity initiatives and maritime collaboration.
In Jordan, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit at the invitation of King Abdullah II. Diplomatic sources indicate that meetings in Amman will place significant emphasis on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and Jordan’s role along the corridor’s northern route.
Jordan’s geographic positioning between the Gulf region and the Mediterranean grants it strategic importance within the proposed corridor, which envisages maritime transport from India to the Arabian Gulf, followed by land-based networks passing through Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel before connecting to ports in Europe.
Indian officials have pointed out that while IMEC holds long-term promise, the regional security environment and technical complexities continue to influence progress. Harmonisation of customs procedures, regulatory frameworks and operational standards among participating countries has been identified as a central operational challenge in advancing the project.
India’s presence in the Mediterranean has also drawn attention in recent months, with the Indian Navy deploying assets for a range of missions that include joint exercises and maritime security operations. IMEC’s dependence on stable sea routes has prompted discussions on ensuring predictable maritime conditions, amid considerations over logistical access arrangements along the Mediterranean coastline.
Launched in 2023, IMEC is structured as a multimodal infrastructure network integrating ports, rail systems, digital connectivity and energy corridors. It is backed by the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. The initiative is designed to streamline cargo movement between India and Europe, reduce logistics costs and support energy transmission through electricity grids and hydrogen pipelines.
International assessments have pointed to potential economic benefits for India, Gulf countries and parts of Europe if the corridor reaches full implementation, even as uncertainties linked to regional conflict and overlapping connectivity projects remain.
The Jordan leg of the visit comes as bilateral ties continue to broaden. Foreign Office Consultations held in April reviewed cooperation across political, security and economic sectors.
India is currently Jordan’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at $2.8 billion in 2023–24. Fertiliser cooperation remains a cornerstone of the relationship, with recent dialogue between Jordan’s Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan and IFFCO leadership focusing on enhancing collaboration through the Jordan–India Fertiliser Company. Both sides have explored avenues to expand production capacity, update technology sharing and strengthen nutrient supply chains.
In Oman, discussions are expected to focus on the announcement of a long-pending bilateral trade agreement. Talks are also likely to address maritime cooperation, logistics and India’s strategic presence at key ports across the western Indian Ocean.
The Duqm port, where India already enjoys access for logistical and military purposes, is expected to feature prominently, given its strategic location near the Gulf of Oman and its connectivity to wider regional trade routes.
Energy cooperation, investment prospects and digital collaboration are also set to be reviewed during engagements in Muscat, with officials indicating that both sides are working towards a broader refresh of their economic partnership framework.
