Modi in Ramallah today, to discuss peace process

Modi in Ramallah today, to discuss peace process

Context:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting three West Asia nations namely Palestine, UAE and Oman is effort to expand demographic, political and economic ties with India’s largest trade region.
•  Prime Minister started visit with stopover at Jordan capital Amman where he met King Abdullah II and on very next day visiting Ramallah in the West Bank, the headquarter of Palestinian Authority to discuss the bilateral issues.

Issues for discussions in Palestine:

• During the visit of Jordan, the talks between Jordan and India covered the Palestine cause, the Jordan’s role in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, based on Hashemite custodianship over the holy shrines.
• In Ramallah, the bilateral issues of Indian and Palestine Authority and Israeli- Palestine peace process will be discussed.
• Earlier in an interview, Palestinian President Mohmoud Abbas said that they would discuss the possible role India could play in the peace process, bilateral relations, regional situations as well as different economical aspects beyond the existing ties with India.
• The visit of Palestine is historic as Narendra Modi become the first Prime Minister of India to visit Palestine. The visit to Ramallah through Jordan without crossing through any of the Israeli checkpoints is consistent with India’s “dehyphenation policy”.

Oman and UAE Visit:

• The visit to UAE and Oman presents further opportunities for India to increase trade base. Oman is possibly the most stable nation in the region with stable economy, and relatively peaceful society managed by the region’s longest serving sultan , Qaboos Bon Said al Said, who ruled the nation since 1970.
• The UAE already has robust relations with India that have strengthened over the past few years. During the visit, Prime Minister will lay foundation stone for Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple.

Conclusion:

• The tri nation visit of Prime Minister is aimed at deepening multifaceted ties with Gulf and West Asian region. The visit to Oman is significant and redefine our neighbourhood from a maritime perspective. The energy and security cooperation, trade and investment and counterterror efforts will top the agenda during February 9 – 12 trip to the region.