Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and His Majesty King Abdullah II today addressed the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman. The Forum was also attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein and Jordan Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister of Investment. His Majesty and Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of increasing business-to-business ties between the two countries and called upon the industry captains from both sides to convert the potential and opportunities into growth and prosperity. His Majesty noted that Jordan’s Free Trade Agreements and India’s economic power could be combined to create an economic corridor between South Asia and West Asia and beyond.

Addressing the Forum, Prime Minister noted that Jordan and India share a vibrant contemporary partnership, built on the strong edifice of their close civilizational ties. He appreciated the leadership of His Majesty under whom Jordan has become a bridge that connects markets and regions, and is fostering business and growth. Prime Minister proposed doubling bilateral trade with Jordan to US$ 5 billion over the next 5 years. Highlighting India’s success as the fastest growing major economy which is on course to become the third largest economy in the world, Prime Minister stated that India offered immense business opportunities for its partners in Jordan and across the globe. He invited Jordanian companies to partner India and reap the benefits of its 1.4 billion consumer market, its strong manufacturing base, and its stable, transparent, and predictable policy environment. Prime Minister said that both countries can join hands to become trusted supply chain partners for the world. Alluding to the over 8% growth of the Indian economy, he underscored that this was a result of productivity-driven governance, and innovation-driven policies.

Prime Minister also highlighted opportunities for India-Jordan business collaboration in the fields of Digital Public Infrastructure, IT, Fintech, Health-tech and Agri-tech and invited start-ups from both nations to join hands in these areas. He noted that India’s strength in pharma and medical devices sectors and Jordan’s geographical advantage could complement each other and make Jordan a reliable hub for West Asia and Africa in these fields. He also highlighted business opportunities for the two sides in the areas of agriculture, cold chain, food parks, fertilizers, infrastructure, automobile, green mobility and heritage and cultural tourism. Speaking about India’s green initiatives, Prime Minister suggested greater India-Jordan business collaboration in the fields of renewable energy, green financing, desalination and water recycling.

The Forum witnessed the participation of business leaders from both countries in the fields of infrastructure, health, pharma, fertilizer, agriculture, renewable energy, textile, logistics, automobile, energy, defense, and manufacturing. The delegation also comprised representatives of FICCI and Jordan Chamber of Commerce, who have an existing MoU to promote trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. On arrival at the Al Husseiniya Palace, he was warmly received by His Majesty King Abdullah II and accorded a ceremonial welcome.

The two leaders met in restricted and delegation level formats. They warmly recalled their previous meetings and conversations and underscored the warm and historic ties shared by the two countries. They noted that the visit, coming at a time when the two countries are celebrating 75 years of the establishment of their diplomatic ties, makes it historic. Prime Minister appreciated His Majesty for his commitment towards strengthening India-Jordan ties. His Majesty conveyed strong support for India’s fight against terrorism and condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Prime Minster appreciated His Majesty’s leadership in tackling terrorism, extremism and radicalization and contributing towards global fight against these evils. Both the leaders discussed ways to further deepen engagement between the two countries in the fields of trade and investment; defence and security; renewable energy; fertilizer and agriculture; innovation, IT and digital technologies; critical minerals; infrastructure; health and pharma; education and capacity; tourism and heritage; and culture and people-to-people ties. Noting that India was Jordan’s 3rd largest trading partner, Prime Minister proposed that the two countries should aim to enhance bilateral trade to US$ 5 billion over the next 5 years. He also called for collaboration between Jordan’s digital payment system and India’s United Payments Interface(UPI). Jordan is an important supplier of fertilizer to India, and companies on both sides are in discussions for further substantive investment in Jordan to meet growing demand for phosphatic fertilizer in India.

The leaders shared perspectives on the developments in the region and on other global issues. They reiterated the importance of restoring peace and stability in the region. Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s support for efforts being made to achieve durable peace in the region.

On the occasion of the visit, the two sides finalized MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora. These agreements would give a major boost to India-Jordan bilateral ties and friendship. The talks were followed by a banquet dinner hosted by His Majesty King Abdullah II in honor of Prime Minister. Prime Minister invited His Majesty to visit India which he accepted.

Today, I am embarking on a three-nation visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Sultanate of Oman, three nations with which India shares both age-old civilizational ties, as well as extensive contemporary bilateral relations.

First, I will be visiting Jordan, on the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. This historic visit will mark 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. During my visit, I will hold detailed discussions with His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, H.E. Mr. Jafar Hassan, Prime Minister of Jordan, and will also look forward to engagements with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. In Amman, I will also meet the vibrant Indian community who have made significant contributions to India–Jordan relations.

From Amman, at the invitation of H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, I will pay my first visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa is also the headquarters of the African Union. In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20. In Addis Ababa, I will hold detailed discussions with H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali and also have the opportunity to meet the Indian diaspora living there. I will also have the privilege to address the Joint Session of Parliament, where I eagerly look forward to sharing my thoughts on India’s journey as the “Mother of Democracy” and the value that the India–Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.

On the final leg of my journey, I will visit the Sultanate of Oman. My visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Oman. In Muscat, I look forward to my discussions with His Majesty the Sultan of Oman, and towards strengthening our Strategic Partnership as well as our strong commercial and economic relationship. I will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, which has contributed immensely to the country’s development and in enhancing our partnership.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today paid his respectful homage to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on his 75th death anniversary. He said that Sardar Patel dedicated his entire life to unifying the nation and weaving India into a single thread of unity.

Shri Modi noted that Sardar Patel’s unparalleled contribution to the creation of an integrated and strong India will forever remain etched in the nation’s collective memory.

The Prime Minister observed that Sardar Patel’s life continues to offer a special inspiration for building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He noted that the spirit of national unity instilled by the Iron Man of India remains a powerful source of energy for the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister Modi underlined that Sardar Patel’s unparalleled contribution to nation‑building, his decisive leadership, and his commitment to strengthening India’s integrity will forever serve as a guiding force for a strong and capable nation.

In separate posts on X, Shri Modi stated:

“लौह पुरुष सरदार वल्लभभाई पटेल को उनकी 75वीं पुण्यतिथि पर मेरा सादर नमन। उन्होंने देश को एकसूत्र में पिरोने के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित कर दिया। अखंड और सशक्त भारतवर्ष के निर्माण में उनका अतुलनीय योगदान कृतज्ञ राष्ट्र कभी भुला नहीं सकता।”

“भारत रत्न सरदार पटेल की 75वीं पुण्यतिथि आत्मनिर्भर भारत के लिए प्रेरणा लेने का भी एक विशेष अवसर है। उन्होंने देशवासियों में राष्ट्रीय एकता की जो भावना भरी, वो ‘विकसित भारत’ के लिए ऊर्जा का स्रोत है। राष्ट्र निर्माण में उनकी अद्वितीय भूमिका सशक्त और सामर्थ्यवान भारत के लिए पथ-प्रदर्शक बनी रहेगी।”

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the symbol of national unity and the architect of a strong India, on his death anniversary.

In a post on ‘X’ platform, Shri Amit Shah said that despite numerous adverse circumstances, Sardar Patel unified a fragmented independent India, giving it the strong foundation of a robust nation. He said that as the country’s first Home Minister, Sardar Patel made the security of Mother India, internal stability and establishment of peace his life’s mission. Shri Shah said that Sardar Patel, who inspired the revival of the cooperative movement and laid the foundation of a self-reliant India through the empowerment of women and farmers, will continue to guide us all like a guiding star on the path of putting the nation first.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

Conveying profound grief over the tragic incident, Shri Modi extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of India to the families who lost their loved ones. He affirmed that India stands in full solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of deep sorrow.

Reiterating India’s unwavering position on the issue, the Prime Minister stated that India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and firmly supports the global fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.

In a post on X, Shri Modi wrote:

“Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today paid solemn tribute to the brave security personnel who sacrificed their lives while defending the Parliament of India during the heinous terrorist attack on 13 December 2001.

The Prime Minister stated that the nation remembers with deep respect those who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He noted that their courage, alertness, and unwavering sense of responsibility in the face of grave danger remain an enduring inspiration for every citizen.

In a post on X, Shri Modi wrote:

“On this day, our nation remembers those who laid down their lives during the heinous attack on our Parliament in 2001. In the face of grave danger, their courage, alertness and unwavering sense of duty were remarkable. India will forever remain grateful for their supreme sacrifice.”

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today paid tributes to the security personnel who attained martyrdom while giving a befitting reply to the terrorists in the terrorist attack on Parliament on 13 December 2001.

In a post on X, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said: “Today is the day to once again recall that indomitable courage and valor of our security forces against terrorism, when in 2001 they thwarted the cowardly terrorist attack on the temple of the world’s largest democracy—our Parliament House—with their spirit. I pay homage to the security personnel who attained martyrdom while giving a befitting reply to the terrorists. This nation will forever remain indebted to the sacrifice and martyrdom of these heroic warriors.”

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed a cultural program organized in Shri Vijayapuram on the completion of 115 years of the poem ‘Sagara Pran Talamalala’ composed by Swatantryaveer Savarkar today.  On this occasion, many distinguished persons were present, including the Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Shri Mohan Bhagwat, and the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral (Retd.) Shri D. K. Joshi.

On this occasion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have today become a pilgrimage site for all Indians because it is here that Veer Savarkar spent the most difficult period of his life. He said that this place is also associated with the memory of another great freedom fighter of our independence struggle, Subhas Chandra Bose. He added that when the Azad Hind Fauj attempted to liberate India, the first place they freed was the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where Subhas Chandra Bose also stayed for two days. Shri Shah said that it was Subhas Chandra Bose who suggested naming this group of islands ‘Shaheed’ and ‘Swaraj,’ and it was Shri Narendra Modi, who, after becoming Prime Minister, turned this suggestion into reality.He said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not merely an island group, but a sacred land shaped by the sacrifice, penance, dedication, and unwavering patriotism of countless freedom fighters. He said that today is a momentous occasion, as a life-size statue of Veer Savarkar has been inaugurated on this very sacred land, and that this inauguration has been done by Shri Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsanghchalak of the organization that truly carries forward Savarkar Ji’s ideology. He said that this land, as well as the memory of Veer Savarkar, is holy, and the unveiling of this statue by Shri Mohan Bhagwat makes the occasion all the more memorable.

Shri Amit Shah said that the statue unveiled today will, for many years, remain a symbol of Veer Savarkar’s sacrifice, resolve, and unwavering devotion to Mother India. He said that for decades to come, this statue will inspire future generations to draw lessons from Savarkar Ji’s life. He added that this place will become a major center for young people to internalize the call made by Veer Savarkar. Shri Shah said that this will become a significant place for imparting to the youth Savarkar Ji’s message of courage, his sense of duty towards the motherland, his qualities of determination, and his vision of national unity, security, and a prosperous nation. He said that Veer Savarkar Ji’s ‘Sagara Pran Talamalala’ is the pinnacle of expressing patriotism. He said that one sentence of Savarkar Ji is very important for his followers: that ‘valor is not the absence of fear, but the conquest over fear.’ Those who do not know fear are brave, but true heroes are those who know fear and have the courage to overcome it — and Veer Savarkar embodied this truth in his life.

Union Home Minister said that today a coffee table book was also released here, and an attempt has been made to encapsulate all the qualities of Savarkar Ji in it. He said that today, many people who have carried forward Savarkar Ji’s ideas have also been honoured here. He said that just as no one can dam the ocean, similarly it is extremely difficult to capture Savarkar ji’s qualities, the height of his life, and his multifaceted personality in a book, film, or poem. He said that several efforts made at different levels have provided a very important means for future generations to understand Savarkar ji. He said that a person’s existence is not formed only by the body, but also by the ideology he follows, the culture that his soul considers supreme, and his actions, and, only India can truly recognise these three qualities of Veer Savarkar ji.

Shri Amit Shah said that today there is no need for anyone to become immortal or a martyr for the country, but there is still a need to live for the country, and only then can we build the India of Savarkar Ji’s vision. He said that if our youth want to create the India envisioned by Savarkar Ji, then they should live their lives in their respective fields of work in accordance with the inspiration of Savarkar Ji, and their goal should be to build a secure and the most prosperous India.He said that when we look at Savarkar ji’s life, it feels that such a person will not appear again on earth for centuries to come. He said that Savarkar ji was a writer, a fighter, a born patriot, a great social reformer, and also a very great author and poet. He said that Savarkar Ji was proficient in both prose and poetry, and such litterateurs are very rare. Shri Shah said that there are more than 600 such words that Veer Savarkar Ji contributed to our languages to enrich our vocabulary.

Union Home Minister said that the life of Veer Savarkar Ji was one of firm devotion to Hindutva, which was modern yet it carried forward and upheld traditions. He said that the contribution Veer Savarkar ji made towards the eradication of untouchability is something for which this country has never honoured Savarkar Ji. He said that Savarkar ji fought against all the social evils prevalent in Hindu society at that time and continued to move forward even while facing opposition from society. He said that Veer Savarkar Ji sacrificed himself for this cause. He said that even if two lifetimes were combined, no greater patriot could match Savarkar Ji, who created literature to glorify the motherland.

Shri Amit Shah said that the concept of cultural nationalism, on the basis of which the government is being run today under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, was founded and explained by Veer Savarkar ji himself. He said that many people have worked to promote such a collective identity that arises from the cultural values, traditions, and history of the Indian subcontinent, and among them, Veer Savarkar was the most ardent devotee of this idea. Shri Shah said that the British had always tried to impose the burden and mentality of permanent slavery on our country through education, which is why they called the 1857 War of Independence a “mutiny” (revolt). Veer Savarkar was the only person who, instead of calling the 1857 War of Independence a “mutiny,” named it the War of Independence and thereby advanced the true spirit of the country.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that today we are free, and after a long journey, the country has reached this point. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the government has been working for the past approximately 12 years. He said that when the country completed 75 years of independence, Prime Minister Modi gave five pledges (Panch Pran), and one of them is to eliminate all memories of the period of slavery so that the country can move forward. He said that by 15 August 2047, we should all together build a great India that stands first in the world in every field, and Prime Minister Modi’s this call has today become the resolve of 140 crore people. Shri Shah said that when 140 crore people move forward in the same direction, we advance by 140 crore steps. He said that this very strength will create a great India, and India will be secure, prosperous, cultured and educated. He said that the title of “Veer” was not given to Veer Savarkar ji by any government, but by every single citizen of the country.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for 2026 season. In order to provide remunerative prices to the cultivators, Government had announced in the Union Budget of 2018-19, that MSP of all the mandated crops will be fixed at levels of at least 1.5 times of all India weighted average cost of production. The MSP for Fair Average Quality of milling copra has been fixed at Rs.12,027/- per quintal and for ball copra at  Rs.12,500/- per quintal for 2026 season.

The MSP for 2026 season is an increase of Rs.445/- per quintal for milling copra and Rs.400/- per quintal for ball copra over the previous season. The Government has increased MSP for milling copra and ball copra from Rs.5,250 per quintal and Rs.5,500 per quintal for the marketing season 2014 to Rs.12,027 per quintal and Rs.12,500 per quintal for the marketing season 2026, registering a growth of 129 percent and 127 percent, respectively.

A higher MSP will not only ensure better remunerative returns to the coconut growers but also incentivize farmers to expand copra production to meet the growing demand for coconut products both domestically and internationally.

National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) will continue to act as Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) for procurement of copra under Price Support Scheme (PSS).

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today, has approved the proposal for conducting Census of India 2027 at a cost of  Rs.11,718.24 crore.

Details of the Scheme:

• The Indian Census is the largest administrative and statistical exercise in the world. The Census of India would be conducted in two phases: (i) Houselisting and Housing Census – April to September, 2026 and (ii) Population Enumeration (PE) – February 2027 (For the UT of Ladakh and snow bound non-synchronous areas of UT of Jammu & Kashmir and states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, PE shall be conducted in September, 2026).
• About 30 lakh field functionaries will complete this gigantic exercise of national importance.
• Use of mobile app for data collection and the Central portal for monitoring purpose will ensure better quality data.
• Data dissemination will be much better and in a user friendly way so that all the queries on required parameters for policy making will be made available on the click of a button.
• Census-as-a-service (CaaS) will deliver data to ministries in a clean, machine-readable and actionable format.

Benefits:

Census of India 2027 will cover the entire population in the country.

Implementation strategy and targets:

• The Census process involves visiting each and every household and canvassing separate questionnaire for Houselisting & Housing Census and Population Enumeration.
• The enumerators, generally government teachers and appointed by the State Governments, will be doing the field work of Census in addition to their regular duties.
• Other Census functionaries at Sub-district, District and State levels will also be appointed by the State/District Administration.
• New initiatives taken for the Census 2027 are:

(i)      First Census by digital means in country. Data will be collected using mobile applications that will be available for both Android as well as iOS versions.

(ii)     A dedicated portal namely Census Management & Monitoring System (CMMS) portal has been developed for managing and monitoring the entire Census process on a real time basis.

(iv)    Houselisting Block (HLB) Creator web map application: Another innovation for Census 2027 is HLB Creator web map application to be used by the Charge Officers.

(v)    Option to self-enumerate will be provided to the public.

(vi)    Suitable security features have been provisioned for this mammoth digital operation.

(vii)   Census 2027 will have a focused and wider publicity campaign for nationwide awareness, inclusive participation, last-mile engagement and support for field operations. It will emphasize on sharing accurate, authentic & timely information ensuring cohesive & effective outreach effort.

(viii)  Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, in its meeting on 30th April 2025 decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census i.e. Census 2027.  With the huge social and demographic diversity in our country and related challenges, the Census 2027 will also capture Caste data electronically in second phase, i.e. Population Enumeration (PE).

(ix)    About 30 lakh field functionaries including Enumerators, Supervisors, Master Trainers, Charge Officers and Principal/ District Census Officers will be deployed for data collection, monitoring and supervision of Census operations. All the Census functionaries will be paid suitable honorarium for the work of Census as they will be doing this work in addition to their regular duties.

Major impact including employment generation potential:

• The current endeavor would be to make available the coming Census data at the shortest possible time across the country. Efforts will also be made to disseminate Census Results with more customized visualization tools. Data sharing to all, up to the lowest Administrative Unit i.e. Village/Ward level.
• To complete various tasks for successful conduct of Census 2027, approximately 18,600 technical manpower will be engaged for about 550 days at the local levels. In another words, around 1.02 crore man-days employment would be generated. Further, the provision of technical manpower at Charge/ District/ State level will also result in capacity building as the nature of job will be related to digital data handling, monitoring and coordination. This will also help in future employment prospects of these persons.

Background:

Census 2027 will be 16^th Census in the country and 8th after independence. Census is the biggest source of primary data at village, town and ward level providing micro level data on various parameters including Housing Condition; Amenities & Assets, Demography, Religion, SC & ST, Language, Literacy & Education, Economic Activity, Migration and Fertility. The Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990 provide the legal framework for conduct of Census.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, spoke with President of the United States of America, H.E. Mr. Donald Trump today.

Both leaders reviewed the steady progress in India–U.S. bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional and global developments.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump reiterated that India and the United States will continue to work closely together to advance global peace, stability, and prosperity.

In a post on X, Shri Modi stated:

“Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity.

@realDonaldTrump

@POTUS”