Diplomacy often celebrates history, but its true purpose is to build the future. That sentiment resonated throughout the National Day reception of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, held at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, where Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel attended as the Chief Guest on 11th June 2026.
Addressing an audience comprising ambassadors, diplomats and distinguished guests, the Minister extended India’s warm congratulations to His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Royal Family and the people of Jordan, describing the occasion as a celebration not merely of Jordan’s independence but also of a friendship that has steadily deepened over more than seven decades.
“Our bilateral ties have not only been warm and friendly, but more importantly, they are underlined by the values of mutual respect, trust and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity and development,” she remarked.
Referring to the remarks made earlier by H.E. Yusuf Abdulghani, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to India, Patel observed that the two countries have travelled a remarkable journey together over the past 75 years while continuing to unlock enormous untapped potential.
Leadership Driving a New Chapter
The Minister noted that India-Jordan relations have acquired renewed momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King Abdullah II. The growing political engagement between the two leaders, reflected in multiple high-level visits in recent years, has expanded the scope of bilateral cooperation into new strategic domains.
She highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jordan in December 2025, commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations, during which discussions covered an ambitious agenda ranging from food security and defence cooperation to renewable energy, digital infrastructure, education, culture and stronger people-to-people ties.
According to the Minister, these initiatives are translating diplomatic goodwill into tangible benefits for citizens of both countries.
United Against Terrorism
One of the most poignant moments of her address centred on the shared commitment of India and Jordan in combating terrorism.
Recalling the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, Patel expressed appreciation for the solidarity extended by King Abdullah II, noting that he was among the first world leaders to convey his support to India.
“Terrorism is a menace which must be condemned in all its forms and manifestations, and there can never be any justification whatsoever,” she asserted.
She emphasised that India and Jordan stand united in addressing common security challenges and strengthening global cooperation against terrorism, while recognising Jordan’s important role as a moderating and stabilising voice in West Asia.
Food Security to Future Technologies
The Minister described the India-Jordan partnership as one built upon “trust, mutual complementarities and strategic convergence.”
Drawing upon her experience in overseeing the fertiliser portfolio, she cited the successful collaboration between IFFCO and the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) as an exemplary model of economic partnership that benefits both nations while contributing significantly to food security.
The cooperation, she explained, has expanded beyond fertilisers into areas such as dry-climate agriculture and rainwater harvesting, demonstrating how shared expertise can address common developmental challenges.
Yet the partnership is no longer confined to traditional sectors.
“With the emergence of new technologies and newer areas of collaboration, our bilateral ties have also evolved,” she observed.
Today, India and Jordan are increasingly cooperating in information technology, digital technologies and cybersecurity, exchanging expertise for mutual benefit and preparing their economies for the future.
People: The Strongest Bridge
Patel also highlighted the role of the approximately 18,000-member Indian community in Jordan, describing them as a “living bridge” between the two countries. Their contributions, she said, strengthen societal bonds that complement official diplomacy.
She emphasised that the relationship is ultimately sustained not merely by governments but by the goodwill shared between the peoples of both nations.
Ancient Civilisations, Contemporary Partnerships
The Minister reminded the audience that India-Jordan relations rest upon civilisational foundations stretching back centuries.
The ancient city of Petra, she noted, once stood at the crossroads of commerce, philosophy and culture, facilitating exchanges that connected the two regions. She welcomed recent initiatives linking Petra and Ellora, symbolically reconnecting two extraordinary heritage sites that testify to the enduring interactions between their civilisations.
“This relationship, which started in ancient times, has sustained itself and, in fact, grown stronger with time,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Against the backdrop of an evolving geopolitical landscape in West Asia, the Minister observed that both India and Jordan continue to advocate peace, stability and dialogue. As India advances towards its vision of Viksit Bharat and Jordan pursues its national modernisation agenda under King Abdullah II, she expressed confidence that the two countries possess immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Concluding her address, the Minister offered an optimistic vision for the future: “Together, India and Jordan will continue to march forward as partners in progress and anchors of global peace and prosperity.”
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