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Modi's 3-Nation Tour: How India Seeks to Boost Trade in West Asia and Africa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a significant three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman. A major goal is to strengthen India's economic and trade ties across these regions. The visit follows the cabinet's approval of a crucial Free Trade Agreement with Oman, signaling deeper partnership. This diplomatic push aims to expand India's commercial footprint in West Asia and Africa.

Key Points: PM Modi Visits Jordan, Ethiopia, Oman to Strengthen Trade Ties

  • Cabinet approved a key Free Trade Agreement with Oman to deepen economic relations
  • Bilateral trade with Oman surged past $10.6 billion in the current fiscal year
  • Over 6,000 India-Oman joint ventures contribute billions to Oman's economy
  • India is a top trading partner for both Jordan and Ethiopia
2 min read

PM Modi's 3-nation visit to further bolster trade and investment ties

PM Modi embarks on a key visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman to bolster economic partnerships, with a major India-Oman FTA on the agenda.

"PM Modi's visit is expected to open far-reaching opportunities to enhance the country’s economic footprint across West Asia and Africa. - Official Statement"

New Delhi, Dec 15

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-nation visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman on Monday, bolstering economic and trade ties is among the key agenda items of his visit.

PM Modi's visit is expected to open far-reaching opportunities to enhance the country’s economic footprint across West Asia and Africa.

Last week, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Oman, aimed at deepening trade and investment relations between the two countries.

The approval also came after Oman's Shura Council approved the Gulf nation’s proposed FTA with India. The talks for the trade agreement, officially termed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), formally began in November 2023.

India and Oman share a long-standing and multidimensional Strategic Partnership supported by strong trade ties, energy cooperation and cultural linkages. The economic and commercial relations between India and Oman are robust and buoyant.

The bilateral trade between the two nations reached $8.947 billion during FY 2023-2024, and for FY 2024-25, it stood at $10.613 billion, according to an official statement. Bilateral investment flows have also been strong, as reflected in numerous joint ventures established both in India and Oman.

Moreover, there are over 6,000 India-Oman joint ventures present in Oman, estimated to be adding $7.5 billion to Oman’s economy in the form of total capital investment over a long period.

PM Modi will hold high-level talks with the Sultan of Oman in Muscat and discuss strengthening the Strategic Partnership as well as the strong commercial and economic relationship between the two nations.

Notably, India is Jordan's third-largest partner, with bilateral trade at around $2.8 billion. Jordan is a key supplier of fertilisers to India, particularly phosphates and potash.

Although the size of India-Ethiopia bilateral trade was around $550 million in FY25, India was the second largest trading partner for the African nation. India’s key exports include primary and semi-finished iron and steel products, drugs and pharmaceuticals, fertilisers and machinery, among others.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see focus on Africa too. Ethiopia is a growing market and our pharmaceutical exports can make a real difference there. More such partnerships please!
R
Rohit P
While boosting trade is excellent, I hope these agreements have strong clauses to protect our local MSMEs. Sometimes FTAs can hurt small businesses if not negotiated carefully. Just a thought.
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Sarah B
The economic diplomacy is impressive. Over 6000 joint ventures in Oman contributing billions shows the depth of the relationship. This is how you build long-term strategic influence.
K
Karthik V
Jordan for fertilizers, Oman for trade and energy, Ethiopia for a foothold in Africa. Smart itinerary. Hope the talks also cover the welfare of the large Indian diaspora working in these regions.
M
Michael C
The bilateral trade jump from ~$9bn to ~$10.6bn with Oman in a year is significant. Shows the momentum. Curious to see what sectors will get the biggest boost from the CEPA.

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