‘I like to check out forts & monuments in Delhi, where you can feel the essence of history': Ambassador of Jordan
In the eight months that Jordan Ambassador Yousef Abdelghani has been in Delhi, he has discovered several cultural similarities between the culture in Jordan and India, as well as the cuisine. As for the city itself, he likes exploring Old Delhi and its forts and monuments. He and his family enjoy dining out every week.
Abdelghani joined the foreign service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1995 and served in Jordanian Embassies in Lebanon, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. He is currently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Republic of India (Resident), since 2024 and Ambassador-Designate to Sri Lanka and Nepal (Non-Resident).
He holds a Master's in Political Science with an emphasis on International Relations and American Politics from Sam Houston State University (USA).
Abdelghani speaks to The Indian Express as part of a series of interviews with diplomats about Delhi — their home. Excerpts:
How long have you been in Delhi? What is the one place in the city that you love to visit often?
I've been in Delhi for eight months now. I arrived in September 2024 and presented my credentials to the Hon'ble President of the Republic of India in November 2024. As for places I love to see and visit, I like to see the old city and check out old forts and historical monuments, where you can feel the essence of history.
Three things that have stood out during your stay so far?
The most adorable things I noticed are the kindness of the Indian people and their hospitality, the green areas… spread all over the city that give it a unique appearance… and the diversity in the local community, which shows a symbol of unity and solidarity between all segments of society.
Is there anything you would suggest the administrators of Delhi work on to make the city a better place?
The main problem, in my humble opinion, that the city is facing now is traffic jams and air pollution. This could be addressed by developing the public transport systems, reducing the number of cars on the streets, and relying more on green energy… which could reduce carbon emissions.
How do you plan to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Jordan and India this year?
We are planning to establish direct flights between Amman and Delhi by the end of this year. This will give a boost to our bilateral relations and encourage tourist groups and cultural and business delegation exchange between the two countries. The inauguration of flights will coincide with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our countries. Other activities are planned, like organising VIP visits…
What food did you like here?
My family and I like to go out and try Indian food, and every week, we try a new restaurant. For me, I would say I like the cottage cheese and lentil soup and vegetarian dishes in general, but with not much spice added, as I am not a meat lover.
If you have to introduce Delhi to someone back home, what will you tell them?
I would say Delhi is the symbol of India… It is a representation of the whole of India, which I consider much more than a country but a continent… unique in its diverse cultures, languages, religions, and landscapes… This diversity gives India its strength.
Any memories or encounters that happened while you were in Delhi that you think will stay with you always?
Every day, I encounter new amazing things in India, that are fascinating and inspiring, among which are the cultural similarities between our culture in Jordan and the Indian culture especially family values… the other thing is the diversity of Indian cuisine which is rich in vegetarian dishes — this is similar also to our cuisine.
Is there anything you and your family would miss once you say goodbye to this city?
My family will miss our travels through the city — either for dining or for shopping or sightseeing, and trying new food and checking out new places.
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