India Jordan Bilateral Relations

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TOPIC: General Studies 2

• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
• India and West Asia Relations.

Indo-Jordan Relations

The visit by King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan to India is a testimony that India’s “Think West” policy, like its “Act East” initiative, is progressively getting robust and vigorous. His visit to India represents an opportunity to catapult the relationship to the next higher level in strategic, security, political, energy, trade, investment and economic cooperation.

India’s history with Jordan:

• The first bilateral agreement on cooperation and friendly relations was entered into soon after Indian independence in 1947.
• Established diplomatic relations in 1950 after India became a Republic
• The first ever visit by an Indian Head of State to Jordan took place in 2015 which provided a huge impetus to bilateral engagement between the countries

Dimensions of this Relationship:

Political

• Both India and Jordan face the common threat of terrorism and extremism, and both believe that there’s an urgent need for measures against radicalisation of youth.
• Both the countries are of the opinion that nations must coordinate their positions to fight against the misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and justifying terrorism.
• Queen Rania has been very active in promoting equality and education. She represents the moderate, progressive and developed face of a Muslim woman. She has described India as the “rising star of
• Asia” and Jordan’s “natural partner”. In fact, Jordan has expressed their viewpoint that India should be more pro-active and steadfast in promoting peace and stability in the region.

Economic

• India is Jordan’s fourth largest trade partner after Iraq, Saudi Arabia and China.
• Jordan also plays an important role in India’s food security through provision of fertilisers and phosphates. India is Jordan’s largest importer of phosphates and potash.
• Jordan could play an important role in India’s energy security paradigm, given the fact that it claims to have the second-largest shale deposits in the world after the US.
• The FTAs have provided a major boost to the Indian businessmen in Jordan.

Middle East Diplomacy

• India and Jordan are both in a suitable position to collaborate effectively to mitigate the adverse impact of challenges in the Middle East which are impacting global security – terrorism, lack of employment opportunity, weak governance, conflicts and civil war. These problems are depriving the region and its people of their right to live in peace and prosperity.
• Jordan is one of the few countries in West Asia that maintains diplomatic relations with Israel and has cordial relations with the West as well as its neighbours.
• King Abdullah is the custodian of holy sites in Jerusalem, especially the Al-Aqsa mosque. His country is also home to a significant number of Palestinian refugees—more than two million.

Agreements Signed between India & Jordan:

Defence: Promote cooperation between India and Jordan in the field of defence by defining the scope of such cooperation and making provisions for implementation of the cooperation in some of the recognised areas like training; defence industry; counter-terrorism; military studies; cyber security; military medical services, peace-keeping etc..

MoU on cooperation in the field of health and medicine: Establish and encourage cooperation in the fields of health, medical science, medical education and research on the basis of equality and mutual benefits in accordance with the respective legislations and regulations of India and Jordan –

• Universal health coverage
• Services and IT in health
• Health research
• National health statistics
• Diagnosis, treatment and medication of tuberculosis
• Regulation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices

Setting up of a next generation centre of excellence (CoE) in Jordan for training of at least 3,000 Jordanian IT professionals over a period of five years, and setting up of a resource centre in India for training of master trainers in the IT field from Jordan.

Cooperation in the Field of Manpower: Aims at enhancing collaboration between the two sides in

• • Promoting best practices in the administration of contractual employment
  • Reflects the latest reforms in recruitment processes
  • Enhances the protection and welfare of Indian workers in Jordan

• Usage of online portal for recruitment of Indian manpower is expected to usher in greater transparency and curb malpractices in the recruitment process.

Mining and beneficiation of Rock Phosphate & MOP and setting upproduction facility in Jordan for Phosphoric Acid/DAP/NPKFertilizers: Ensure consistent supply of raw material, intermediaries and finish P&K fertilizers to cater to the needs of the country at a reasonable price.

Way Forward:

• Both the countries have the potential to work as natural allies as both countries are peaceful, stable and are witnessing rapid economic growth and have similar positions on regional and global affairs. Their attempts to bring stability and prosperity to the region should be complemented with well-thought out policies and strategic diplomacy.
• Indian businesses should utilize the expansive web of FTAs available with Jordan. ICT, renewable energy, financial/banking services, leather, automobile, higher education, tourism, Bollywood, pharmaceuticals and construction sectors present good potential for increased trade and investment.

Connecting the Dots:

1. India and Jordan are the two pillars that can drive peace and stability in the region. Examine.