Three countries, one new story, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• PM Narendra Modi visited Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman to strengthen India's strategic presence in the Middle East and Horn of Africa.
• Discussions with King Abdullah II in Amman focused on trade, regional developments like Gaza, and counter-terrorism on the 75th diplomatic anniversary.
• India and Ethiopia elevated their ties to a "Strategic Partnership" with focus on trade, investment, and defense cooperation.
• India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost trade, jobs, and investment.

Detailed Insights:

• The tour occurred amidst significant geopolitical shifts, including US efforts in Gaza, its stance on Iran's nuclear program, and outreach to Gulf states.
• India's relationship with the region has improved, with engagement with key actors except Turkey, and S. Jaishankar's visit to Israel highlighted diverse partnerships.
• Saudi-Pakistan relations and US interest in involving the Pakistan army in Middle East security require India to remain proactive.
• Discussions in Ethiopia included aligning with the African Union's regional agenda and India's support for the Global South.
• The visits highlighted India's policy strands: security in the Middle East, economic development in Africa, and connectivity in the Indian Ocean.
• India faces challenges in implementing decisions made during high-level visits, especially with increased activity from China and Pakistan in the region.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Strategic Partnership: A bilateral relationship involving long-term cooperation across various sectors like defense, economy, and diplomacy.
• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): A trade agreement to reduce or eliminate tariffs and promote trade and investment between countries.
• Global South: A term referring to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, often characterized by developing economies and shared socio-political challenges.