In a significant development for India’s expanding global partnerships, India and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan inked a series of comprehensive Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in renewable energy, digital transformation, water management, cultural exchange, and education.
These agreements were signed on December 15–16, 2025, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day official visit to Amman, marking a milestone in bilateral ties and reflecting both nations’ shared interest in sustainability, technological innovation, and people-to-people engagement. Jordan also expressed its intention to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) — an India-led global climate initiative — signaling a deeper commitment to renewable energy cooperation.
Background of India-Jordan Partnership
Diplomatic ties between India and Jordan span more than seven decades, dating back to the establishment of formal relations in the late 1940s. Over the years, the partnership has encompassed political, economic, and cultural dimensions, with regular high-level exchanges reinforcing mutual trust and cooperation.
The December 2025 visit by PM Modi not only commemorated 75 years of friendly relations but also sought to expand the bilateral agenda into areas of future-oriented collaboration.
India-Jordan Partnership: Strengthening Cooperation Across Sectors
Renewable Energy: A Sustainable Growth Agenda
One of the centerpiece agreements signed by India and Jordan focuses on technical cooperation in the field of new and renewable energy.
This pact aims to leverage Indian expertise in solar and other renewable technologies to support Jordan’s energy transition, especially given the Kingdom’s strategic position as a gateway between the Middle East and Africa.
The agreement aligns with both nations’ goals of energy security, climate responsibility, and low-carbon development. Jordan’s expression of interest in joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) further underlines the strategic importance of clean energy cooperation.
Digital Transformation: Sharing Scalable Solutions
Another key area of cooperation is digital technology and public digital infrastructure. India and Jordan signed a letter of intent to share successful digital solutions implemented at population scale, potentially encompassing systems related to e-governance, digital identity platforms, and smart city technologies.
This exchange reflects India’s growing role as a digital innovation hub, with its experience in scaling nationwide digital systems serving as a model for emerging economies.
Water Resources Management: Addressing Arid Challenges
Given Jordan’s geographical context as one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, an MoU on water resources management and development holds particular significance.
This agreement involves cooperation on conservation techniques, water efficiency technologies, and sustainable usage strategies. Both countries have underscored the importance of shared best practices to enhance long-term water security, a critical factor in economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
Cultural Heritage and People-to-People Ties
Recognizing the role of cultural engagement in strengthening bilateral ties, India and Jordan renewed their Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025–2029, ensuring continued collaboration in the arts, education, and heritage preservation.
A notable initiative under this agenda is the twinning agreement between Petra (Jordan) and Ellora (India) — two UNESCO World Heritage sites — fostering shared efforts in conservation, tourism development, and academic collaboration.
Education and Capacity Building: Centre of Excellence in Amman
India also pledged support for the India-Jordan Centre of Excellence established at Al Hussein Technical University, Amman.
The initiative includes the training of 10 Master Trainers over three years, representing a long-term capacity-building effort that enhances technical skills and strengthens educational exchanges between the two nations.
Jordan’s Intent to Join International Alliances
In a major strategic signal, Jordan declared its intent to join several key Indian-led global initiatives:
- International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
These expressions of interest were welcomed by India and highlight Jordan’s readiness to participate in multinational frameworks focused on sustainability, resilience, and climate action.
The ISA, headquartered in India, has grown into a key global platform for solar cooperation and represents a major vehicle for clean energy diplomacy.
Read also: India to Highlight Renewable Energy Achievements at G20 Energy Transitions Meet in South Africa
