Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday proposed doubling bilateral trade between India and Jordan to USD 5 billion over the next five years, highlighting India’s position as the fastest-growing major economy and its emergence as a global business destination.
Addressing the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman alongside His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Prime Minister said India offers “immense business opportunities” for partners in Jordan and across the world.
“India is the fastest growing major economy and is on course to become the third-largest economy in the world,” Modi said, adding that the country’s growth was driven by “productivity-driven governance and innovation-led policies.”
He also underscored the need for India and Jordan to revive their historic trade links to unlock new economic opportunities and build a long-term partnership for shared prosperity.
Prime Minister Modi also referred to the ancient trade routes linking Gujarat to Europe via Petra. Goods from Indian ports such as Bharuch travelled along maritime routes across the Arabian Sea, with Petra serving as a key Nabataean trading hub. From there, the trade moved onward to Mediterranean ports and Europe, effectively connecting the Maritime Silk Route with overland branches of the Silk Road.
“There was a time when trade took place from Gujarat to Europe via Petra. We need to revive our old links for our future prosperity,” he added.
Describing India-Jordan relations as unique, PM Modi said historical trust now converges with future economic opportunities. He noted that detailed discussions focused on transforming geography into opportunity and converting opportunity into sustainable growth.
Calling for stronger business-to-business engagement, Modi invited Jordanian companies to partner with India and benefit from its “1.4 billion consumer market, strong manufacturing base, and stable, transparent and predictable policy environment.”
He said both countries could work together to become “trusted supply chain partners for the world.”
King Abdullah II also underscored the importance of expanding commercial ties, noting that Jordan’s network of Free Trade Agreements combined with India’s economic strength could help create “an economic corridor between South Asia and West Asia and beyond.”
The Prime Minister highlighted opportunities for collaboration in digital public infrastructure, IT, fintech, health-tech and agri-tech, and encouraged startups from both nations to work together. He also pointed to complementarities between India’s strengths in pharmaceuticals and medical devices and Jordan’s strategic location, which could position the country as a hub for West Asia and Africa.
Modi further identified agriculture, cold chains, food parks, fertilizers, infrastructure, automobiles, green mobility, renewable energy, desalination, water recycling, and heritage tourism as key areas for enhanced cooperation.
He appreciated the leadership of His Majesty under whom Jordan has become a bridge that connects markets and regions, and is fostering business and growth.
Pointing to India’s economic trajectory, the Prime Minister said the country is steadily moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, growing at over 8 per cent annually. This growth, he said, is driven by higher productivity, strong governance and innovation-led policies.
“Today, for every Jordanian investor and business, India offers multiple opportunities across sectors,” he said.
Highlighting the scope for digital cooperation, PM Modi said India’s experience in building digital public infrastructure could be of immense value to Jordan. Platforms such as UPI, Aadhaar and DigiLocker, he noted, have become global benchmarks for inclusion and efficiency.
“India has turned digital technology into a model of inclusion and efficiency,” he said, adding that discussions were held with His Majesty King Abdullah II on linking these digital frameworks with Jordan’s systems.
The forum was attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein and Jordan’s Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister of Investment, along with business leaders from sectors including infrastructure, health, pharma, renewable energy, logistics, defense and manufacturing. Representatives from FICCI and the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, which have an existing MoU to promote bilateral trade, were also present.
