Amman: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday strongly pitched for reviving ancient trade links between India and West Asia, recalling that there was a time when trade from Gujarat reached Europe through Petra. Addressing the India–Jordan Business Forum in the Jordanian capital, Modi said restoring such historic economic corridors was essential to ensure future prosperity and strengthen global supply chains.

“There was a time when trade from Gujarat went all the way to Europe through Petra. For our future prosperity, we must revive those links once again. And in making this a reality, each one of you has an important role to play,” the Prime Minister said, calling upon business leaders from both countries to convert shared history into modern economic opportunity.

Highlighting the deep civilisational ties between India and Jordan, Modi said the bilateral relationship was built on historical trust and future-oriented economic cooperation. “There are many countries whose borders meet, and many whose markets meet. But the relationship between India and Jordan is one where historical trust and future economic opportunities come together,” he said.

The Prime Minister praised King Abdullah II’s leadership, noting that Jordan has emerged as a bridge connecting different regions and markets. Referring to discussions held with the Jordanian monarch, Modi said both sides explored ways to transform geography into opportunity and opportunity into growth. He also pointed out that Indian companies could use Jordan as a gateway to markets in the US, Canada and beyond.

India is currently Jordan’s third-largest trading partner, Modi said, adding that the focus should go beyond numbers. “We are not here just to count figures, but to build long-term relationships,” he stressed, while proposing to double bilateral trade to USD 5 billion over the next five years.

Citing India’s economic momentum, the Prime Minister said the country is on course to become the world’s third-largest economy, with growth exceeding eight percent. “This growth is the result of productivity-driven governance and innovation-driven policies,” he said, inviting Jordanian investors to partner with India and benefit from its 1.4 billion-strong consumer market, strong manufacturing base, and stable policy environment.

The Prime Minister also highlighted opportunities for India–Jordan business collaboration in the fields of Digital Public Infrastructure, IT, fintech, health-tech and agri-tech, and invited start-ups from both nations to join hands in these areas. He noted that India’s strength in the pharma and medical devices sectors and Jordan’s geographical advantage could complement each other and make Jordan a reliable hub for West Asia and Africa in these fields.

He further highlighted business opportunities for the two sides in agriculture, cold chains, food parks, fertilisers, infrastructure, automobiles, green mobility, and heritage and cultural tourism. Speaking about India’s green initiatives, the Prime Minister suggested greater India–Jordan collaboration in renewable energy, green financing, desalination and water recycling.

“Come, let us invest together, innovate together and grow together,” Modi added, thanking King Abdullah II, the Jordanian government and industry leaders from both countries for their participation.

DeshGujarat