Economic relations between Jordan and India are entering a new phase of growth, reflecting over seventy-five years of deep political and historical ties, while aligning with global economic transformations. This partnership holds special significance as Jordan seeks to diversify its trade and investment relations and engage with large, fast-growing markets foremost among them India.

 

India today ranks as the fifth-largest economy globally, with a GDP exceeding $4 trillion, the third-largest purchasing power, and a population of approximately 1.4 billion, predominantly young. This economic strength positions India as a strategic partner for Jordan, not only in trade, but also in investment, technology transfer, and capacity building.

 

Bilateral trade reached around $2.9 billion in 2023–2024, placing India among Jordan’s top three to four trading partners. Yet, trade remains below its full potential, given the complementary nature of both economies. In 2025, Jordanian exports to India grew by 18 per cent during the first nine months, reaching JD859 million, while imports from India fell by 28 per cent to JD374 million, improving Jordan’s trade balance and indicating a structural shift in bilateral trade.

 

Jordanian exports focus on sectors of comparative advantage, including phosphate, fertilizers, inorganic chemicals, construction materials, and aluminum, totaling approximately $1.4 billion. Imports from India include fuel, grains, organic chemicals, meat, coffee, tea, spices, iron, and rubber, totaling around $931 million, reflecting a complementary trade relationship.

 

India is also a key investor in Jordan, with investments totaling $1.63 billion by 2024, concentrated in sectors such as garments, with over 15 Indian companies operating in Jordan. A flagship project, the Jordan-Indian Fertilizer Company (JIFCO), valued at $860 million, produces and exports phosphoric acid to India, illustrating successful investment leveraging Jordanian resources to meet Indian industrial demand.

 

The Jordan-India Business Forum marked a turning point in the partnership. It focused on expanding trade, diversifying export portfolios, streamlining customs procedures, and enhancing transport and logistics connectivity, taking advantage of Jordan’s strategic location as a gateway to regional markets. The forum also prioritized joint investment in key sectors, sustainable technology transfer, and capacity building.

 

Beyond trade and investment, the forum emphasised technology and education, supporting digital transformation and strengthening the Jordan-India Center of Excellence for IT. It addressed healthcare, telemedicine, and pharmaceutical development, alongside agriculture, food security, water management, renewable energy, and sustainable development. Cultural and artistic exchange and direct government communication channels were also highlighted to facilitate trade, investment, and tourism.

 

The forum’s recommendations aim to convert potential into tangible projects and sustainable economic partnerships, creating long-term value, driving innovation, and fostering shared growth and prosperity for both nations.