National days are often occasions to celebrate the past. Yet, at the National Day reception of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan held at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, Ambassador H.E. Yousef Abdelghani, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to India, used the occasion to speak even more about the future, a future defined by reform, economic transformation and an increasingly dynamic partnership with India.
The occasion was graced by the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, who attended the event as the Chief Guest, accentuating the importance India attaches to its enduring friendship with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Welcoming diplomats, government officials and distinguished guests, the Ambassador described Jordan’s independence not merely as a historical milestone but as the foundation of a national journey that continues to evolve.
“For Jordanians, independence is not merely a historic date; it is a symbol of unwavering dignity, pride and the determination with which we built a state of institutions and law. It represents our renewed hope to safeguard our sovereignty and forge a brighter future with confidence and resolve.”
A Kingdom Pursuing Comprehensive Reform
Reflecting on Jordan’s remarkable journey since independence in 1946, Ambassador Abdelghani highlighted the country’s achievements across political, economic and social spheres under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II.
He noted that Jordan is pursuing a comprehensive modernisation agenda encompassing political reform, economic transformation and social development, with particular emphasis on empowering young people and women.
“These reforms aim to drive sustainable development, empower youth and women, and enhance Jordan’s standing as a pillar of stability and opportunity in the region.”
The Ambassador pointed to significant advancements in technology, education, healthcare, infrastructure and social protection, describing Jordan as an emerging regional hub for talent and innovation.
He also underlined Jordan’s attractiveness as an investment destination. The country’s investment framework offers competitive incentives to investors, while the Economic Modernisation Vision 2033 serves as a long-term roadmap for growth.
With an extensive network of free trade agreements providing access to more than one billion consumers and its strategic location connecting Asia, Africa and Europe, Jordan, he said, is uniquely positioned to become a global business and logistics hub.
A Foreign Policy Rooted in Peace
Turning to regional affairs, Ambassador Abdelghani reaffirmed that Jordan’s foreign policy is guided by principles of moderation, dialogue and respect for international law.
Despite decades of instability across the region, Jordan has consistently advocated peace, security and stability as prerequisites for sustainable development.
“Jordan’s pursuit of peace is principled and unwavering.”
He reiterated Jordan’s support for a two-state solution, based on the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state, while emphasising the Kingdom’s historic Hashemite custodianship over the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Jordan, he noted, seeks to maintain amicable relations with countries around the world through mutual respect, shared interests and commitment to multilateral cooperation.
India and Jordan: From Ancient Connections to Strategic Cooperation
The Ambassador observed that 2025 marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan, but the ties between the two civilisations stretch back much further.
He highlighted the sustained engagement between the leadership of both countries, recalling that King Abdullah II visited India in 2006 and again in 2018, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jordan in 2018 and returned in December 2025.
“These regular visits mark a historic turning point in our bilateral relations and have yielded significant agreements and business engagements that draw the roadmap for our future cooperation.”
Today, the strength of that partnership is increasingly reflected in economic figures. India has emerged as one of Jordan’s major trading partners, with bilateral trade approaching US$3 billion and an ambitious target of US$5 billion in the coming years.
The Ambassador also welcomed the strengthening of connectivity between the two countries through the resumption of Royal Jordanian Airlines’ Mumbai-Amman flights, with plans to restore Delhi services, further facilitating tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.
A Partnership Feeding Millions
Among the most compelling aspects of the relationship, Ambassador Abdelghani highlighted Jordan’s contribution to India’s food security.
Jordan, he explained, plays a vital role in supplying phosphates and fertiliser inputs essential to Indian agriculture through long-standing strategic partnerships.
“Jordan takes pride in its vital contribution to Indian food security, supporting Indian agriculture, food industries and farmers through our strategic partnerships in manufacturing and exporting fertilisers and potash to the Indian market.”
He also praised Indian investments in Jordan, particularly in the phosphate, fertiliser and textile sectors, describing them as symbols of a mutually beneficial economic relationship.
Equally important, he said, is the Indian community residing in Jordan, whose contributions have strengthened the social and cultural bridge between the two nations.
The Next Chapter
Looking ahead, Ambassador Abdelghani expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship is entering a new era.
He envisioned expanding cooperation in green energy, digital technologies, transportation and pharmaceutical industries, transforming an already robust partnership into a comprehensive strategic relationship.
“As we celebrate our independence, we look with confidence to further elevate Jordanian-Indian relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership, exploring new dimensions of cooperation for the prosperity of our two friendly nations.”
The Ambassador also noted that June holds special significance for Jordan. Alongside the National Day celebrations, the country recently commemorated the 26th anniversary of His Majesty King Abdullah II’s accession to the throne and Jordan Armed Forces Day, paying tribute to the men and women in uniform.
Finally, he shared a moment of national pride that drew smiles across the audience: the historic qualification of Jordan’s national football team for the FIFA World Cup, a milestone that reflects, in his words, the limitless ambition of the Jordanian people.
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