29 NATIONS, 29 HONOURS, ONE MAN - PM NARENDRA MODI: Dr CHANDRA

Taking stock of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three nation visit to Jordan, Oman and Ethiopia, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra describes the Narendra Modi era as ‘India’s Golden Age of Diplomacy,’ marked by an India First approach, strategic autonomy, and growing global influence. He outlines the objectives and outcomes of the Prime Minister’s visits to the three nations, highlighting trade expansion, strategic partnerships, and cooperation on security and counter-terrorism. Dr Chandra also discusses the elevation of India’s ties with Ethiopia, the historic free trade agreement with Oman, and India’s strengthening role in the Global South. He reflects on the enthusiastic international response to Narendra Modi, symbolic gestures such as car diplomacy, and the broader geopolitical message these visits convey. Excerpts...

• The headline of today’s JC Show is “NaMo: The Golden Age of Diplomacy.” What does this actually signify?
  Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: Truly, the Narendra Modi era in India represents a ‘Golden Age’ of the country’s diplomacy. It is a golden period. Narendra Modi has re-defined Indian foreign policy in accordance with the requirements of the country. The most important aspect of his foreign policy in this golden phase is the principle of ‘India First’ and ‘National Interest First.’ These have become the basic guiding factors at present. The second important point is that there is no place for pressure or co-ercion in Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. The case of Trump is before everyone; one can see what ultimately happened. India will not bow before anyone, nor will it stop for anyone. India will take decisions based on its convictions, its confidence, and its strategic autonomy. Decisions will be taken less by keeping other countries’ interests in mind and more by prioritising the country’s own interests. Narendra Modi has today, emerged as a ‘Global Leader’ and a ‘Central Figure’ in diplomacy. One can see that 29 nations have honoured him. There is a global eagerness to meet Narendra Modi. What greater golden period can there be than this. At the end of the day, it can be concluded that the 10–11 year era of Narendra Modi can be described as India’s golden period in the field of diplomacy so far.
• What was the basic agenda of Narendra Modi’s visit to Jordan, Oman, and Ethiopia?
  The basic agenda was trade and investment. Otherwise, if one looks at it differently, it was in fact Narendra Modi’s outreach to countries in West Asia and Africa. The second major aspect was to expand India’s global footprint in these regions. All these countries are members of a critical part of the Global South. Narendra Modi’s leadership in the Global South is strengthened by engaging with these countries. Along with this, the aim was to further strengthen Narendra Modi’s global image and personality and to reinforce India’s branding. These were the guiding factors of the visit, and the visit proved to be completely successful.
• During Narendra Modi’s visit, apart from the Free Trade Agreement, what other agreements were reached between India and Jordan?
  The biggest agreement was that bilateral trade between the two countries will be doubled within five years. Overall, it was a very good visit. If one looks at it, Jordan is India’s third-largest business partner, and this status is expected to become even stronger in the future.
• What is the trading status between India and Jordan?
  If one looks at India and Jordan, Jordan is India’s third-largest trading partner. The second point is that all the major areas of the economy where business development is possible are present here. Overall, the status is good and encouraging. India has a trade surplus with Jordan; there is no trade deficit. With the new agreements that have been signed, it can be expected that trade and the trading status with Jordan will grow further. The most important point is that the PM has stated that trade should be doubled within five years. This will create a new framework, and the current trading status is expected to see a clear turning point over the next five years.
• It is being said that India and Jordan have reached a firm understanding on terrorism this time. Would you like to elaborate on this?
  Certainly, both sides have shared a common concern and a common view on anti-terrorism. The objective is to eliminate terrorism. Narendra Modi himself stated that India and Jordan are natural partners in regional safety, security, and peace. Jordan expressed its agreement that it supports India’s war against terrorism. Narendra Modi also said that India is a partner in the ongoing efforts for peace in the Middle East. Both nations are united in taking action against terrorism. Despite pressure from Pakistan, on the issue of combating terrorism, Jordan was seen standing with Narendra Modi and with India during this visit.
• Similarly, there is discussion about some major agreements between India and Ethiopia on mutual peace and security. Would you like to comment on this?
  Several agreements were signed there this time; I have heard that eight agreements were concluded. Essentially, the status of the bilateral relationship has been elevated to a strategic partnership, which is the most significant guiding agreement. There was an agreement on defence, another on customs, and after customs and defence, discussions took place on restructuring financial loans. Agreements and discussions were held in the health sector. Rajasthan’s Mahatma Gandhi Hospital has operations there, and discussions were held on how to improve its child and mother units. There were discussions on information technology and tourism as well. In total, eight agreements were signed, reflecting substantial and positive progress.
• How do you view the tremendous response Narendra Modi received in the Ethiopian Parliament, where applause reportedly continued for eight minutes?
  It was extraordinary. Narendra Modi appears to have a rare, almost divine connect with people wherever he goes. Earlier, such enthusiasm was largely seen within India; now it is clearly visible beyond its borders. In Ethiopia, nearly 5,000–6,000 kilometres from New Delhi, Modi’s address to a joint session of Parliament reportedly drew around 50 rounds of applause in just eight minutes—remarkable in today’s precisely measured world. Often, he could barely begin speaking before applause erupted. Televised scenes reminded many of 2014, when Modi entered the Indian Parliament after his electoral victory amid thunderous applause and chants. The response in Ethiopia mirrored that moment. Notably, this was the 18th Parliament he has addressed in the last 11 years, a rare honour. Overall, it was a highly successful and memorable event.
• What is the import-export scenario between India and Ethiopia?
  The India–Ethiopia scenario is such that India exports iron, steel, and medicines to Ethiopia. India imports pulses, precious stones, vegetables, seeds, and leather from Ethiopia. This trade has traditionally existed and represents good business. In monetary terms, India enjoys a trade surplus, not a trade deficit. It is a good and growing business relationship. This visit has also served as a moral booster for business communities. Trade is expected to grow further. The bilateral relationship is peaceful, growing, and encouraging.
• How do you view the historic Free Trade Agreement between PM Narendra Modi and the Sultan of Oman?
  It can be described as a remarkable achievement. More than 99 percent of Indian exports will be duty-free. Such an arrangement is rarely heard of globally. Narendra Modi himself said that the agreement he signed is historic and will be remembered by the people of both countries for centuries. He described it as the silver line of the agreement, whose ultimate purpose is to connect the people of both countries and further enhance trade. Another important aspect is that it will improve the competitiveness of Indian industrial exports between the two nations. This is a very positive development. After the agreement with the UAE in 2022, this is the second such agreement with a Gulf country. According to rough estimates, this agreement will provide benefits worth around Rs 27,000 crore to Indian exporters. It is a milestone agreement and an excellent development.
• Can it be said that PM Narendra Modi’s Muscat visit went beyond oil trade?
  Of course. Of course, trade and oil transactions will continue as usual. But the broader aim of the Muscat visit was to expand India’s outreach, influence, and economic opportunities in Africa and West Asia, while strengthening its global leadership. On all these fronts, the visit was successful, making it about much more than oil. India–Oman trade ties span thousands of years, dating back to the Indus Valley civilisation. Oman, the Gulf’s gateway, strategically supports India via key global transport routes, & their historic ties continue to strengthen.
• How do you view the new version of Narendra Modi’s car diplomacy in Jordan and Ethiopia?
  When Narendra Modi launches a new initiative, it often becomes a global talking point. Even travelling together in a car drew worldwide attention and trended on social media— something earlier associated with leaders like Putin. Normally such moments go unnoticed, but with Modi they become symbolic. In Jordan, the Prince took him to a museum and personally drove him to the airport; elsewhere, the Prime Minister drove him from the airport to the hotel. This is car diplomacy, reflecting friendship, goodwill, and trust beyond protocol. One does not casually invite someone into one’s car without confidence and mutual respect. In Ethiopia, the Nobel Prize– winning Prime Minister was seen driving Modi’s car. These gestures reinforce Modi’s personal diplomacy, attract global attention, and ensure that whatever he does is watched worldwide.
• Ethiopia and Oman have also honoured Narendra Modi with their highest civilian awards. Why is there such enthusiasm for him abroad?
  As mentioned earlier, there appears to be a competition among countries to honour Narendra Modi. Nations wait for his visit so they can confer their highest civilian honours on him. He has been honoured by 29 countries, which is remarkable. Notably, among the six Gulf nations, five have conferred their highest awards on him. He is the only leader in the world to have received such recognition from five out of six Gulf nations. This is a moment of pride for the country.
• It is being said that the Balochistan governmentin-exile has decided to confer the “Prabuddh Citizen Award” on Narendra Modi in 2026. How do you view this development?
  It is a positive development reflecting their sentiments, with no political motivation. They note that Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided moral support to their movement, especially when he highlighted human rights violations in Balochistan in his 2016 Red Fort speech, and they feel indebted to him. Balochistan shares centuries-old ties with India. Currently in crisis and under suppression by the Pakistani army, their decision to honour Modi with the traditional Balochi turban in 2026 is natural and seen as a positive gesture for development.
• What message do Narendra Modi’s visits to these three countries send to Pakistan?
  It is very poor, very disappointing, & very alarming for Pakistan. However, it appears that Munir is not particularly affected, as the United States is backing him. The Pakistani military was likely disappointed, questioning why leaders and people from other Muslim countries warmly welcomed Narendra Modi, a Hindu PM, though ultimately, nothing could be done about it.

During the show #JConNamoSwarnYug trended top All-India on X