King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, who arrived here on Tuesday 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. It's 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.
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. Both sides will look to expand ties in a range of key areas including defence and security.
King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, a 41st generation direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad, is known for his global initiative to fight radicalisation and terrorism. He is also the custodian of the Al-Aqsa mosque, among the holiest Islamic sites, located in the Old City of Jerusalem.
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. #DelhiAmman pic.twitter.com/ZfHKGfv5D6
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 27, 2018
A special address on Islamic heritage and promoting moderation will be a major highlight of the Jordanian king’s visit.
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, sources said, adding both sides will also look to finalise a framework for defence cooperation.
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.
#WATCH Delhi: King Abdullah II of Jordan arrives in India, received at the airport by PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/tieDKXRiFO
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2018
PM Modi was at the airport last night to welcome the King of Jordan. This is how he greets foreign leaders he respects. https://t.co/kibbD0pajP
— Candice Malcolm (@CandiceMalcolm) February 27, 2018
PM @narendramodi warmly welcomed His Majesty @KingAbdullahII of Jordan at the Airport in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/GjkLBiPLBk
— Narendra Modi Office (@namo_office) February 27, 2018
Canadian news will again erupt as now its crystal clear that what Trudeau got was nothing but a snub because here is Prime Minister Modi himself receiving the king of Jordan; a nation who's GDP is 1/40th of Canada, defence expenditure 1/9th, and population 1/4th. https://t.co/3B6phoBYwV
— Vinayak Jain (@vinayak_jain) February 27, 2018
