Prime Minister Modi with King Abdullah II in Jordan

The two leaders had a meeting that lasted 45-50 minutes. India Today learnt that the two discussed the issue of Palestine, the ensuing conflict with Israel and the announcement of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel by US. Modi will arrive in the Jordanian royal helicopter to Palestine on the morning of February 10

A day ahead of his historic visit to Palestine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Jordan where he got a "royal treatment" by King Abdullah II.

Although the Prime Minister is transiting from Jordan to Ramallah in Palestine, as a special gesture the King himself was there to receive him.

A senior official said that in a rare gesture, not only was the Prime Minister received with a bear hug but invited by the King to his private residence.

The two leaders had a meeting that lasted 45-50 minutes out of which at least 20 minutes were a one-on-one interaction.

Jordan does not comprise Modi's official visit because the King is due to visit India from February 27 which was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs immediately after the leaders met.

Highly placed sources have told India Today that both leaders discussed the "situation in the region". While details weren't divulged, India Today learnt that the two discussed the issue of Palestine, the ensuing conflict with Israel and the announcement of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel by the United States of America.

For Jordan it is a matter of great concern since the Royal Family of Jordan is the custodian of the Holy mosque of Al Aqsa which is in East Jerusalem, a land that continues to be under Israeli control and is a bone of contention between Israel and Palestine.

While the two leaders will be have full-fledged bilateral talks at the end of this month, they did discuss the issue of terrorism and ISIS. Jordan is known as a "pioneer nation when it comes to de-radicalistaion and counter terrorism efforts", said a senior official.

This visit of Modi is a transit visit and he thanked the King for the facilitation provided by the Palace to the Indian entourage for safe and smooth passage into Ramallah.

Again, as a special yet rare gesture, King Abdullah II offered his own Royal chopper to take Prime Minister Modi to Ramallah.

Modi will arrive in the Jordanian royal helicopter to Palestine on the morning of February 10 for his historic visit as the first Prime Minister to step foot in Palestine.