The hug certainly works. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, breaking protocol to receive King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein at the airport on Tuesday—a gesture that was "deeply appreciated"—has won him a firm ally. The monarch, on a three-day visit to India, has promised closer defence ties as well as commended “the role that India is playing in the region”.
This admission, in context to PM Modi's historic Palestine visit, that India may have a role within the region—or even influence—is significant. And along with Abdullah’s address to 'Islamic Heritage: Promoting Understanding and Moderation’, for PM Modi—the architect of deeper ties with the Middle East—his 'Think West' policy seems to be working. India was “no longer content to be passive recipients of outcomes’’ in this region as the former foreign secretary S. Jaishankar put it the Raisina Dialogue in 2016. With Modi's whirl-wind tour of the Islamic world and the visits of leaders to India, this might be a step closer to happening.
On being asked specifically whether India had been approached to play mediator, secretary, economic relations, T.S. Tirumurti, at a media briefing, was quick to clarify. “There was nothing specific which was discussed.” The monarch, however, “mentioned clearly to our prime minister that India had an international role and that India’s role in the region was very significant,’’ he said. “He appreciated the fact that we had done our stand alone visit to Palestine and that was underlined.”
However, there was more than just the acknowledgment of the potential of the role that India could play. The visit had other more tangible outcomes. There will be deeper defence ties. This is important as Jordan is strategically placed, with access to the Red Sea. “There is keenness from both sides to take this further,’’ said Tirumurti. “We are also looking at closer security cooperation, keeping in mind the tremendous experience that Jordan has in the region,’’ he added.
Twelve memorandums of understanding were exchanged on “wide ranging issues’’. A twining agreement has been signed between Agra and Petra. A Centre for Excellence will be set up in Jordan by C-DAC. The agreement covers areas of health, culture, mutual assistance in customs, long term supply of rock phosphate, mass communication, manpower, visa waiver as well as setting up of a Hindi chair in the University of Jordan.
A paratrooper, King Abudullah II was especially interested HAL Dhruv. No interest to acquire it has been shown at the moment. He visited the National Security Guard Training Centre in Manesar where he was given demonstration of the capabilities of the NSG, which he was "impressed'' with.
Jordan will be extended 5 million dollars of assistance in the form of vaccines and medicines. India had given cash assistance of 2 million dollars last year.
