Jordan King Abdullah II on a 3-day India visit: Here is his full itinerary

King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, who arrived here on Tuesady on a three-day visit, was accorded a grand welcome with Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving him at the airport, in a special gesture.

The Jordanian King's visit here comes nearly three weeks after Modi travelled to Jordan as part of his trip to West Asia, including Palestine.

"Welcomed His Majesty King Abdullah II to Delhi. Its wonderful to meet him again, after my brief halt at Amman earlier this month. His visit to India will further deepen bilateral ties between our nations. I look forward to our talks on Thursday," Modi tweeted.

The Prime Minister and the King will hold extensive talks on Thursday covering entire expanse of bilateral ties, official sources said adding, the Palestinian issue and ways to deal with terrorism, radicalisation and extremism are likely to figure prominently in the deliberations.

"India welcomes His Majesty @KingAbdullahII Ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of #Jordan on his State Visit. Deviating from protocol, PM @narendramodi welcomes His Majesty at the Airport. India attaches great importance to its ties with Jordan," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Meeting with Sushma Swaraj

King Abdullah II of Jordan will meet Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday.

According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), King Abdullah will then visit IIT Delhi today to explore collaboration with Jordan technical institutes.

"During the day, the King will also participate in a CEO Round-table followed by India-Jordan Business Forum jointly organized by FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM."

Meeting with President Ram Nath Kovind 

President Ram Nath Kovind will host a banquet in honour of King Abdullah while Vice President M.

Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will call on the visiting dignitary.

On Wednesday, the King will visit IIT Delhi to explore collaboration with Jordan technical institutes.

India, Jordan on defence framework agreement

As per sources, security dialogue is on the cards between India and Jordan, and both countries are working to forge a defence framework agreement.

 

Security dialogue between the two countries was also held in July 2016.

Sources suggest that New Delhi is keen to learn from Jordan's experience of handling Syrian migration crisis and tackling ISIS, and is looking forward for synergy in this field.

Having served in the army, the Jordanian King has hands-on experience in matters related to defence and security. King Abdullah II binAl-Hussein is also a custodian of the Al-Aqsa mosque.

India and Jordan have so far shared strong trading and business ties. Taking advantage of Jordan's strategic location and free trade agreements with United States, Europe and Gulf, Indian businesses have set up units in Jordan.

Cooperation in the field of defence and security will be a new area that both countries are keen to explore.

A special address on Islamic heritage and promoting moderation is also one of the major highlights of Jordanian king's visit.

According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during this visit, "the two sides will discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest".

Modi received the Jordanian King at the airport, a week after his absence there to welcome Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had triggered questions over whether it was a snub by India to the visiting leader.

The King, a 41st generation direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad, will also deliver a special address on Islamic heritage and promoting moderation on Thursday morning which is expected to be attended by Modi.

Diplomats, representatives from Islamic institutions of all denominations, academicians, think-tanks and representatives from across the country are expected to attend the event.

The King is known for his global initiative to fight radicalisation and terrorism. He is also the custodian of the Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, located in the Old City of Jerusalem.

India considers Jordan an "oasis of stability and harmony" in conflict-ridden West Asia and New Delhi would like to deepen bilateral ties with the country during the King's visit, official sources said.

The sources said both sides are expected to ink a number of agreements to expand cooperation in several key sectors including healthcare, IT, customs and will look to firm up a framework pact for defence and security cooperation.

In their talks, Modi and the King are also likely to explore ways of deepening trade ties. Twenty textile industries from India have invested around USD 300 million in Jordan.

Jordan's royal helicopters had flown Modi and his delegation from Amman to Ramallah and back during the visit.

The Jordanian King is accompanied by a high-level business delegation.

The Palestinian issue, ways to deal with terrorism, radicalisation and extremism are likely to figure, apart from key bilateral and regional matters, in talks between the king and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, they said.

Special address Jordanian king at Vigyan Bhavan

The officials said PM Modi, diplomats, representatives from Islamic institutions of all denominations, academicians, think-tanks and representatives from across the country are expected to attend the special address by the Jordanian king at Vigyan Bhavan on Thursday.

The topic — 'Islamic heritage; Promoting Understanding and Moderation' -- has been selected by the king himself, the sources said.

A number of representatives from a number of Arab countries may also attend the lecture.

A translation of a book "A Thinking Person's Guide to Islam — the Essence of Islam in 12 versus from the Quran" will also be released at the event, being organised by the India Islamic Cultural Centre.