India’s Three-Nation Tour: Jordan–Ethiopia–Oman

Context:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman reflects India’s efforts to strengthen its strategic presence in the Middle East, Horn of Africa, and Indian Ocean region.

• The visit comes at a time of shifting geopolitics involving conflicts like Gaza, evolving Gulf alignments, and rising competition from China and Pakistan.

Key Highlights:

Visit to Jordan (Amman)

• PM Modi held discussions with King Abdullah II on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

• Talks focused on:

  • Expanding trade and economic ties

  • Regional developments, especially the Gaza crisis

  • Strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation

India–Ethiopia Strategic Partnership

• India and Ethiopia elevated relations to a “Strategic Partnership”.

• Key areas of cooperation include:

  • Trade and investment

  • Defense and security cooperation

  • Support for Ethiopia’s role within the African Union agenda

• India reiterated its broader commitment to the Global South.

India–Oman CEPA Agreement

• India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

• Expected outcomes:

  • Boost in bilateral trade

  • Greater investment flows

  • Job creation and economic diversification

Geopolitical Significance of the Tour

• The tour occurred amid:

  • US diplomatic efforts in Gaza

  • Renewed focus on Iran’s nuclear issue

  • Outreach by Gulf states to new partners

• India’s engagement with most regional actors has expanded, except with Turkey.

• The visits highlight India’s multi-strand policy:

  • Security in the Middle East

  • Economic development in Africa

  • Connectivity in the Indian Ocean

Concerns and Challenges

• Rising activity by China and Pakistan in the region requires India to remain proactive.

• A major challenge is ensuring effective implementation of agreements made during high-level visits.

• Emerging dynamics like Saudi–Pakistan relations and possible US attempts to involve Pakistan in Middle East security may affect India’s interests.

Relevant Prelims Points:

Strategic Partnership

• A long-term bilateral framework involving cooperation across:

  • Defense

  • Economy

  • Diplomacy

  • Technology

CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement)

• Trade agreement aimed at:

  • Reducing or eliminating tariffs

  • Promoting investment

  • Enhancing economic integration

Global South

• Refers to developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America sharing common development and governance challenges.

Key Regions

• Horn of Africa: Strategic for Red Sea trade routes and Indian Ocean security.

• Middle East: Vital for India’s energy security, diaspora, and trade.

Relevant Mains Points:

India’s Strategic Interests

• Securing maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

• Balancing relations with multiple regional powers amid instability.

• Expanding India’s footprint in Africa through development partnerships.

Economic Diplomacy

• Agreements like CEPA strengthen India’s role in global supply chains.

• Gulf partnerships remain crucial for energy imports and remittances.

Security and Counter-terrorism

• Cooperation with Jordan and Oman supports India’s broader fight against terrorism and extremism.

Way Forward

• Ensure timely implementation of agreements reached during diplomatic tours.

• Strengthen India’s engagement in African institutions like the African Union.

• Maintain strategic autonomy while balancing competing global powers in West Asia and Africa.

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS 2: India’s foreign policy, bilateral relations, strategic partnerships

• GS 3: Trade agreements, connectivity, maritime security

• Essay/IR: India’s role in Middle East and Africa amidst shifting geopolitics