New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India and Jordan need to revive their historic trade links to unlock future economic opportunities, underlining that economic engagement between the two countries should go beyond trade numbers.

Addressing business leaders, Modi said India is currently Jordan’s third-largest trading partner but stressed the need to build a long-term economic partnership rooted in shared history and future potential.

“In the world of business, numbers have immense value, but we are here not just to count numbers. We are here to build a long-term relationship,” he said.

Recalling ancient trade routes, the prime minister said there was a time when commerce flowed from Gujarat to Europe via Petra, and emphasised the need to revive those historic connections for shared prosperity.

Modi described India-Jordan ties as unique, where historical trust converges with future economic opportunities. He said discussions focused on transforming geography into opportunity and converting opportunity into sustainable growth.

Highlighting India’s economic trajectory, Modi said the country is moving steadily towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, driven by strong governance, productivity and innovation-led policies.

He said India offers multiple opportunities across sectors for Jordanian investors and businesses.

Emphasising digital cooperation, the prime minister said India’s experience in building digital public infrastructure, including platforms such as UPI, Aadhaar and DigiLocker, could be valuable for Jordan. He added that discussions were held with King Abdullah II on linking these digital frameworks with Jordan’s systems.

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Modi also highlighted scope for collaboration in the startup ecosystem, suggesting the creation of a shared platform connecting startups, innovation and capital to further strengthen bilateral economic ties.