India’s Jordan Pivot |
Early this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met King Abdullah II in Amman. The meeting was warm, followed by PM Modi receiving the highest civilian award of the country in a formal ceremony. The meetings were followed by the statements carefully worded. There were handshakes, polite praise and a short message posted afterwards on social media. Behind the formal polite meetings was a clear message. India now sees that Jordan, once viewed as a quiet and cautious monarchy, is an important strategic partner. Jordan has earned global trust and deserves a larger role in West Asia policy. The Prime Minister, after meeting King Abdullah II, called the discussions “productive” and praised the King’s personal commitment to strengthening ties. India and Jordan are also celebrating 75 years of their diplomatic relations this year. Still, the political observers suggest that the visit was not really about celebrating the past; it was about more or less reshaping the partnership for a region that is becoming more unstable and unpredictable. Eight agreements were signed in areas such as clean energy, water management, digital systems and culture. These may seem technical at first glance, but they show why Jordan’s importance is rising and why India is paying it greater political attention.
Jordan is not wealthy. It has little oil, limited water, and a modest population. Yet it carries influence far beyond its size. Its geography alone explains much of this. Jordan sits at the centre of one of the world’s most volatile neighbourhoods, bordering Israel, Palestine, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Over decades of wars, uprisings, and regime changes, it has remained intact. That survival is not accidental. King Abdullah II has carefully positioned Jordan as a stabilising force. Jordan is also seen close to Western powers and has good working relationships across the Arab world. Of late, more so in the Israel-Palestine conflict,........