Sitharaman, Jordan minister discuss trade, fertiliser cooperation

NEW DELHI — Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Zeina Zeid Toukan in Doha on Monday, September 28, 2026, to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and cooperation in the fertiliser sector. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings, focused on strengthening economic ties between the two nations and addressing mutual interests in energy security and industrial collaboration.

Trade Expansion and Strategic Targets

According to reports from The Economic Times and The Hindu BusinessLine, the discussions centered on the potential to significantly increase bilateral trade volumes. The two ministers reviewed the current trade landscape, noting that while trade between India and Jordan has grown steadily, it remains below its full potential. Officials indicated that the dialogue aimed to identify specific sectors where Indian exports could be expanded, particularly in pharmaceuticals, information technology services, and engineering goods. Conversely, Jordan expressed interest in importing Indian agricultural products and textiles, seeking to diversify its supply chains away from traditional partners.

The conversation also touched upon the establishment of a joint working group to streamline customs procedures and reduce non-tariff barriers. Both sides acknowledged the importance of regulatory alignment to facilitate smoother cross-border commerce. The ministers agreed to explore mechanisms for protecting intellectual property rights in emerging technology sectors, a critical component for Indian IT firms looking to establish a stronger foothold in the Middle Eastern market.

Fertiliser Cooperation and Energy Security

A key agenda item was cooperation in the fertiliser industry. Jordan, a net importer of fertilisers, expressed interest in exploring joint ventures or long-term supply agreements with Indian manufacturers. India, being one of the world’s largest producers of urea and other fertilisers, has been actively seeking to expand its export markets to ensure stable demand for its domestic industry. The ministers discussed the logistics of shipping fertilisers from Indian ports to Jordan, including potential partnerships with shipping lines to reduce transit costs and ensure timely delivery.

Energy security was another focal point of the discussion. Jordan, which relies heavily on imported natural gas and oil, is looking to diversify its energy sources. India, with its growing renewable energy capacity and expertise in solar and wind power technologies, offered to share technical knowledge and explore investment opportunities in Jordan’s renewable energy sector. The ministers agreed to facilitate dialogue between state-owned enterprises and private sector players from both countries to identify viable projects in this domain.

Diplomatic Context and Future Steps

The meeting took place against the backdrop of India’s broader engagement with the Middle East, a region of strategic importance for its energy imports and diaspora. India’s foreign policy has increasingly emphasized economic diplomacy, leveraging trade and investment to deepen relationships with key partners. Jordan, a stable ally in the region, is seen as a gateway for Indian businesses to access the wider Gulf Cooperation Council market.

Following the meeting, both ministers issued a joint statement expressing satisfaction with the constructive dialogue and the commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation. They announced that a follow-up meeting of senior officials would be held in the coming months to finalize the terms of reference for the proposed working groups. The ministers also agreed to explore the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding on trade and investment during the next high-level visit between the two countries.

Analysts noted that the meeting signaled a renewed push by India to strengthen its economic ties with Jordan, a move that could benefit both nations in the long run. For India, expanding trade with Jordan offers an opportunity to diversify its export markets and secure stable demand for its industrial products. For Jordan, closer ties with India provide access to a large and growing consumer market, as well as technical expertise in key sectors such as energy and agriculture.

The discussions in Doha are expected to lay the groundwork for a more robust bilateral relationship, with both countries committed to overcoming existing barriers and unlocking new opportunities for mutual growth. As global trade dynamics shift, the India-Jordan partnership is poised to play a significant role in shaping regional economic integration and stability.