India-Jordan Relations

India’s relationship with Jordan has always been characterized by warmth and goodwill based on mutual respect. The two countries signed their first bilateral agreement for cooperation and friendly relations in 1947, which was formalised in 1950 when the two countries established full-fledged diplomatic ties.

Cooperation in Multilateral Fora

Our interaction with Jordan in the multilateral fora, particularly under UN’s framework has fostered better understanding on mutual concerns and priorities. Jordan had extended its support for India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the term 2011-12 and other international bodies such as re-election to the Council of the International Maritime Organization and also for United Nations Board of Auditors in 2013.

Visits

The landmark State visit of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and Her Majesty Queen Rania to India in December 2006 provided an excellent opportunity for exchange of views on all aspects of our bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest. During the visit, several bilateral agreements were signed.

His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal paid a visit to India during October-November 2012.

Shri S.M. Krishna, the then External Affairs Minister (EAM), accompanied by an official delegation, made a transit visit to Amman on 8 and 11 January, 2012. During the course of the visit, the Indian side led by EAM and the Jordanian side led by H.E. Mr. Nasser S. Judeh discussed bilateral and regional issues on 8 January, 2012.

MOS(EA), Shri E. Ahamed paid an official visit to Jordan on 2-3 July, 2013 and again transited through Amman on 6 July, 2013. During the visit, he called on PM Ensour and met with Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on 3 July. Discussions focused on a gamut of issues encompassing bilateral relations especially in economic and commercial fields as also on latest regional and international developments. On 2 July, MOS also met with Palestinian President Abbas who was in Amman at that time. He interacted with prominent members of the Indian community in Jordan during a dinner hosted by the Ambassador. The visit was widely covered by the local print media. MOS(EA) transited through Amman in November 2011 en route to his visit to Ramallah (Palestine). During that time, MOS(EA) called on then Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan H.E. Mr. Awn Shwkat Al-Khasawneh. MOS (EA)’s earlier visit to Jordan was in September 2007.

Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, then Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, paid an official visit to Jordan in February 2010. Shri A.K. Jain, Secretary General, National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC), represented India at the Asia Pacific Forum on Human Rights held in Amman from 3-6 August, 2009.

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Dr. Charnjit Singh Atwal, Hon’ble Speaker, Pubjab Legislative Assembly accompanied by his spouse and Secretary, Punjab Legislative Assembly paid an official visit to Amman, (Jordan) from 22 – 25 September 2012. The Hon’ble Speaker accompanied by Ambassador had a meeting with Mr. Atef Al Tarawneh, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The meeting focused on issues of mutual bilateral interest.

A 4-member Indian delegation led by Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) participated in the Regional Group Meeting of Asia Pacific Forum (APF), the 11th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions and side event on Business Women’s and Children’s Rights held in Amman from 5-8 November, 2012. Besides, there have been several other official level visits including that of Shri K. Saleem Ali, Special Director(S), CBI who paid an official visit to Amman from 16-18 July 2012 to attend the Third Global Focal Point Conference.

A 4-member delegation led by the then Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, paid an official visit to Jordan from 17 to 21 March, 2012. He called on the H.E. Dr. Awn AL-Khasawneh, then Prime Minister of Jordan. He also met with Governor Saed Shihab, Director of Political Affairs and Society Organizations Department, Ministry of Interior, H.E. Mr. Saluim Al Zoubi, Minister of Justice, H.E. Mr. Ayman Odeh, Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs and Legislation, H.E. Mr. Haya Al Quralleh, Minister of Political Development and Parliamentary Affairs and H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Al Jazi, Minister of State for Legal Affairs.

Secretary (East) paid a visit to Amman on 4 August, 2012 to attend NAM Ministerial Committee meeting slated for 05-06 August, 2012 in Ramallah (Palestine), which got cancelled in the last moment.

The 4th Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development was held in Amman from 10-12 December, 2012. The Indian delegation was led by the Ambassador Shri R.R. Dash as also Shri Susheel Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation.

At the invitation of the Jordan Independent Election Commission a two- member delegation from the Election Commission of India paid a visit to Jordan from 02-10 January 2013 to assist them with the preparation of training of district officers for the Parliamentary elections held on 23 Jan, 2013.

Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Srikant K Jena paid a visit to Jordan from 8-11 July, 2013. During the visit, he called on Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, Minister for Trade and Industry Hatem Halawani and Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Malek Kabarati separately on 9 July, 2013. Both sides agreed to boost bilateral relations between the two countries especially in commercial and economic fields. Mr. Amer Majali, Chairman, Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) also held a meeting with MOS and accompanying Indian delegation.

Bilateral Trade

India-Jordan trade is governed by an agreement signed in 1976. A Trade and Economic Joint Committee constituted under the Agreement to promote and monitor the progress. Over the years, bilateral trade has grown rapidly despite the global economic downturn. Balance of trade has been in favour of Jordan during the last few years for reasons attributed to massive imports of phosphate and potash by 2

India. There is successful cooperation in fertilizer sector between the two countries. A Joint venture project worth US$ 800 million between the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) and the Indian Farmers Fertilisers Cooperative (IFFCO) for manufacturing of Phosphoric Acid set up in Eshidiya (about 330 Kms south of Amman) in October 2009 is at an advance stage of implementation and is scheduled for commercial operation sometime in February 2014. The foundation stone for the project was laid by His Majesty the King Abdullah II. As part of the ongoing cooperation in this area, the JPMC, Gujarat Narmada Fertilizer Company (GNFC) and United Phosphorous Limited (UPL) inked an MoU on 21st March 2013. The MoU envisages setting up of a new phosphoric acid plant with a capacity of 1450 MT (P205) per day and also establishing a green field plant in India for the purpose of producing, marketing and selling of Phosphoric acid.

The quantum of bilateral trade between India and Jordan soared to US$ 1.43 billion in 2012 as compared to US$570 million in 2006. In 2008, Jordan’s imports from India registered at a value of US $503 million while its export to India amounted to f US $1.283 billion. Subsequently, in 2009, there was slight decline in trade turnover between the two countries registering the volume of trade at a value of US £983 million. Various factors such as global economic slowdown, decline in the international price of phosphate and also huge trade growth in the previous year could be attributed for the decline. Trade volume once again picked up in subsequent years i.e. 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively. India remained the largest importer of phosphoric acid in 2012. More importantly, trade flow between the two countries in 2012 was fairly balanced after several decades. Details of trade volume are tabulated below:

Year Total Trade turnover Export to India (in Import from India (in US$) US$ 2008 1.8 billion 1.283 billion 503 million 2009 983 million 686 million 297 million 2010 1.16 billion 783 million 382 million 2011 1.36 billion 867 million 492 million 2012 1.43 billion 722 million 711 million

India imports fertilizers, phosphates, phosphoric acid etc from Jordan and exports electrical machinery, cereals, frozen meat, organic and inorganic chemicals, basmati rice, sugar, animal fodders, engineering goods etc. Possibilities for joint ventures in the fields of leather, automobile, IT, pharmaceuticals and construction materials can be explored. Jordan Investment Board (JIB) is actively pursuing to attract Indian investments in Jordan especially in ICT, Financial Services and Bio- medical services sectors.

Trade Delegations

A 10-member Indian delegation led by Mr. Som Mittal, President, NASSCOM participated in the biennial Middle East and North Africa- Information and Communications Technology Forum 2010 (MENA-ICT FORUM 2010) held in Amman 10-11 October 2010. An MoU between NASSCOM and Information Technology Association of Jordan (Int@j) aimed at enhancing joint collaboration and cooperation between the Information Technology Association of Jordan and NASSCOM as also between the ICT industries of Jordan and India was signed during the MENA-ICT Forum 2010.

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Business delegations from Engineering Export Promotion Council, FICCI, Chemexcil, SRTEPC and APEDA had visited Jordan at regular intervals for Buyer- Seller Meets, Trade Promotion and setting up of Trade Exhibitions in the past. In February 2011, a 4-member business delegation consisting of Mr. B.K. Agarwala, Director Business Development, M/s Oripol Industries Limited Orissa(India) and other three business associates visited Jordan to explore business opportunities.

Dr. Sutanu Behuria, the then Secretary (Fertilizers), GoI paid a visit to Jordan from 18-22 July 2011 to discuss prospects of further collaboration with Jordan in the fertilizer sector.

A high level Jordanian delegation led by the Jordan Investment Board (JIB) participated in NASSCOM India Leadership Forum 2011 held in Mumbai in February 2011. Another delegation from Jordan Institution for Standards and Metrology (JISM) took part in meetings of the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) held in New Delhi in September 2011.

16 Indian engineering companies at the "Indian Pavilion" under the umbrella of the EEPC-India (formerly Engineering Export Promotion Council) participated in the 10th International Machines and Electro-Mechanical Emhivition-JIMEX-2013 held in Amman from 3-6 June, 2013. More than 130 local and foreign exhibitors, representing around 500 global trade marks were other participants. International participation included from India, China, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Egypt. The EEPC was represented by Mr. Sunny Bose, Sr Executive Officer. During his stay, he held talks with his business associations in Amman.

Defence

A 14-member NDC delegation led by Rear Admiral Anand Iyer, VSM, Seniior Directing Staff (Indian Navy) visited Jordan in May 2010 as part of the Foreign Countries Study Tour of the 50th NDC Course. Cooperation in the Defence Sector has immense scope considering commonality of security concerns.

Science & Technology

An MoU on cooperation in Science and Technology was signed between Indian National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan in January 2006.

Culture

There is a lot of interest in Jordan for Indian art and culture. Regular cultural exchanges in the form of cultural troupe visits, hosting of cultural exhibitions have helped in promoting cultural understanding between the two countries. A Cultural Exchange Programme for the year 2007-09 was signed in December 2006 and signing of fresh CEP is under consideration. A Sitar Group and a Bharatnatyam troupe sponsored by ICCR participated in the Jordan Festival in July 2009. Odissi dancer Smt. Rajashri Behera, sponsored by ICCR, performed in Amman in November 2009.

The Embassy of India, Amman has been actively participating in various cultural activities. On 4 May 2011, a group of women from India, dressed in their

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traditional attire, performed the “raas garba” during a cultural event organised by the Asian Ambassadors’ Ladies in Amman (AALIA).

Mr. Muzaffar Ali, well-known Indian film Producer & Director and Member, Board of Prasar Bharati, accompanied by Mrs. Ali visited Amman from 26-28 June 2011. The Mission organized a publicity event coinciding with the visit.

Education

At present, there are over 500 Jordanian students pursuing studies in different universities in India. The number of Jordanian alumni of Indian universities is over 2500. India is committed to sharing its developmental experience with Jordan through capacity building programmes under our ITEC programme. We offer 25 slots every year to Jordanian candidates under the ITEC programme. In addition, ICCR offers 05 (five) annual scholarships to meritorious Jordanian students for higher education in India. It is a matter of satisfaction that Jordanian nationals have been making good use of the training opportunities under these programmes offered by the GoI.

Jordanian Minister of Education Tayseer Al-Naimi participated in the First World Education Summit (WES)-2011 held in New Delhi in July 2011. During his visit, he met with the Hon’ble Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Kapil Sibal.

The Amity University Online, India and the Talal Abu Ghazaleh University (TAGIUINE) signed an agreement on 27 February, 2013 paving the way for access to online higher education on a range of subjects. Under the Agreement, the Amity University Online, India, agreed to provide a total of 33 courses in different fields including 04 Bachelor degrees (03 yrs duration), 09 Master degrees (02 yrs duration), 17 executive certificates/courses (3-12 months duration) and 03 Foreign Language Diplomas (12 months duration).

Visits of Journalists from Both countries

As guests of XP Division, three Editors/Senior Journalists viz. (i) Ms. Ica Wahbeh, Managing Editor, The Jordan times, (ii) Mr. Marwan Sudah, Al Rai newspaper and (iii) Ms. Elena Y. Nidoguin, Senior Jurnalist, The Star weekly newspaper, visited India from 19-26 March 2011 on a familiarization tour.

Shri Saeed Naqvi, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and a senior journalist paid a visit to Jordan from 17-21 April, 2011. During his stay in Jordan he met with a cross-section of people, including HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, H.E. Mr. Taher Al Masri, Senate President & Chairman of the National Dialogue Committee, Senator Mr. Akel E. Biltaji, Member of Upper House of Parliament of Jordan, Acting Secretary General, Arab Thought Forum (ATF) and Dy. Editor-in-Chief of Al Ghad Newspaper.

Ms. Abeer Numan, a Senior journalist working with “The Jordan Times” participated in the IPHEX (Indian Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Expo) organized by Pharmexcil held in Mumbai from 24-26 April 2013.

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Publicity-cum-Tourism related events

Mission has been taking extra endeavour in organizing publicity-cum-tourism related events with a view to promoting tourism and goodwill between two countries. Such events were organised in January, February, March and December, 2011, respectively at different venues in Amman. The events witnessed attendance from various cross-sections like professionals, diplomatic corps, UN officials, civil servants, CEOs businesspersons, eminent journalists and prominent members of the Indian community. The events were marked by showing tourism-cum-publicity related DVDs and distribution of publicity-related material to the invitees.

An ‘Incredible India Tourism Road Show’ was organized on 27 June 2012 by the Embassy of India in Amman in collaboration with India Tourism Office, Dubai. The then Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Subodh Kant Sahai inaugurated the event. The delegation comprised of several dignitaries, eminent persons and stakeholders including members of the Indian Association of Tour Operators(IATO), India Tourism Development Cooperation (ITDC), airlines representatives, hoteliers, Medical and Wellness facilities etc. The event focussed on promotion of tourism between two countries. A brief separate meeting prior to delegation level talks was held between the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism of India, Shri Sahai and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan, Nayef Al Fayez held at which Ambassador Dash was also present. The two sides deliberated at length on the means to boost tourism cooperation between the two countries.

The Embassy of India, Amman in collaboration with The Rainbow Art House Theatre, Amman, organized a “Bollywood Film Week”. Two blockbuster Hindi movies (i) Chak De India and (ii) 3 Idiots (with English subtitles) were screened on 26 and 27 February, 2013 at The Rainbow Art House Theatre. On the occasion of the “Bollywood Film Week”, His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Radha Ranjan Dash made a brief speech to the gathering on the second day of the event (on 27th Feb). Ambassador Mr. Radha Ranjan Dash while welcoming the audience highlighted the cultural cooperation between Jordan and India. The event was well-attended and greatly appreciated, witnessing participation from all walks of life including members of the diplomatic corps, bureaucrats, professionals, eminent persons, Friends of India and PIOs/OCIs.

Indian Community

Jordan is home to more than 10,000 Indians, who are employed in textile, construction and manufacturing sectors, fertilizer companies, health sector, universities, IT, financial companies and multilateral organisation. There are about 25 garment factories across Jordan [Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZs)] owned by Indians with an investment of over US$ 60 million and employing over 10000 persons.

Jordan liberalized visa regime for Indian nationals w.e.f. November 2009. Indian tourists coming to Jordan now get visa on arrival. As a result of the new visa regime, people to people contacts have further increased and around 75,000 Indian tourists visited Jordan in 2012.

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A delegation of the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) visited India on 15-16 July 2011 to attend a series of workshops between Jordanian travel and tour agents and their counterparts in India.

Conclusion

India and Jordan share a very warm and cordial relationship. It is our hope that the existing mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries would be further deepened and strengthened in the years ahead.

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November 2013

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