His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday said Jordan is keen to develop ties with Muslim leaders in India, especially cooperation between the two sides in promoting the true image of Islam.

During a meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Indian Upper House of Parliament, or Rajya Sabha, Rahman Khan, the King Abdullah said Jordan is committed to offering university seats to Indian Muslim youth, so as to enhance their ”understanding of the religion.”

The King referred to achievements by the Amman-based Al al Bayt Foundation, which has launched the largest Koran exegesis website (www.tafsir.com).

King Abdullah also reviewed the basics of the Amman Message, which Jordan launched two years ago to clarify the position of Islam on extremism and define Muslims' relationship with other cultures and faiths. The document highlights the aspects of moderation, understanding and tolerance in traditional Islam.

The Amman Message, the King told the Muslim leaders, is also addressed to Muslims, who, he said, need each other in a world that is going through several crises.

There is a “historic consensus” over the document, King Abdullah said, noting that the Amman Message defines who is eligible to issue fatwas (religious edicts) and prohibits labeling as non-Muslims any follower of the Islamic schools of jurisprudence.

For their part, the Muslim leaders praised the King's efforts to promote true Islam and the initiative to offer Indian Muslims university seats.

India has the second largest Muslim population in the world, numbering about 140 million.

King Abdullah and Her Majesty Queen Rania began a three-day state visit to India on Thursday. During the visit, the King will meet with Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other senior officials.