Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Ethiopia on December 16-17, 2025, has significantly strengthened the relationship between India and Ethiopia, elevating it to a "Strategic Partnership". This marks a new chapter in the longstanding bilateral ties, promising enhanced cooperation across various sectors.
Modi's visit, his first to Ethiopia, came at the invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, extended during their meeting at the G20 Summit in South Africa the previous month. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, underscoring the importance both nations place on this strengthened partnership. Modi was also bestowed with the "Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia", the country's highest award, for his exceptional contribution to strengthening bilateral relations. He is the first foreign head of state to receive this recognition.
During the visit, the two leaders engaged in extensive discussions covering a wide array of bilateral matters and issues of mutual interest, including trade and investment, innovation, technology, defense, health, capacity building, and multilateral engagement. They also discussed deepening relations in food and health security, cooperation in sustainable agriculture, natural farming, and agri-tech, and introducing new programs in artificial intelligence.
Several key agreements and MoUs were signed, signifying concrete steps towards enhanced cooperation:
- Strategic Partnership: The most significant outcome was the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, which is expected to provide new energy, momentum, and depth to the ties between the two nations.
- Debt Restructuring: India and Ethiopia signed an MoU on debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework, demonstrating cooperation on addressing economic challenges.
- Data Center: An agreement was reached for establishing a data center at Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, enhancing Ethiopia's digital infrastructure.
- UN Peacekeeping Training: The two countries pledged to cooperate on the training of United Nations peacekeepers.
- Educational Exchanges: India has doubled the number of ICCR scholarships for Ethiopian students and introduced specialized AI courses under ITEC, boosting educational opportunities.
- Healthcare Support: India agreed to augment the capacity of the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Addis Ababa, focusing on maternal and neonatal healthcare.
- Customs Cooperation: An MoU was signed focusing on administrative assistance in customs matters, which will improve information sharing, prevent customs-related offenses, facilitate smoother trade and logistics and strengthen transparency in cross-border trade.
Modi addressed parliamentarians, emphasizing the shared vision of India and Ethiopia for the Global South. He stated, "The Global South is writing its own destiny, and India and Ethiopia share a vision for it...Our vision is of a world where the Global South rises not against anyone, but for everyone; a world where development is fair, where technology is accessible, and where sovereignty is respected". He also reaffirmed India's commitment to work with Ethiopia to voice the concerns of the Global South.
Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali expressed his appreciation for India's consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership, aligning with Ethiopia's development plan. He highlighted Ethiopia's strong economic performance and increasing foreign direct investment, with over 615 Indian companies investing in Ethiopia.
The elevation of ties to a strategic partnership reflects the growing importance of India-Ethiopia relations, supported by historical connections, contemporary political engagement, and economic cooperation. With over 675 Indian companies registered with the Ethiopian Investment Commission and total investments exceeding USD 6.5 billion, the economic ties between the two nations are already substantial. This visit is expected to further revitalize bilateral commerce and strengthen India's broader engagement with Africa.
