Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed at the National Palace in Addis Ababa mark a defining moment in India Africa engagement. Taking place against the backdrop of centuries old civilisational links and deep people to people bonds, the meeting culminated in a decision to elevate India Ethiopia relations to the level of a strategic partnership, signalling a shared resolve to shape a more inclusive global order as partners in the Global South.
Both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of a rapidly expanding partnership. Trade and investment, innovation and technology, education and capacity building, and defence cooperation all featured prominently in the discussions. Prime Minister Modi underlined India’s readiness to deepen cooperation in health security, digital health, traditional medicine, affordable medicines, food security, sustainable agriculture, natural farming and agri tech. The message was clear: development partnership is no longer confined to aid, but anchored in joint capacity creation and technology sharing.
On the economic front, the two leaders noted the growing role of Indian companies in Ethiopia’s development story. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that Indian firms have invested more than five billion dollars in Ethiopia, particularly in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, generating over seventy five thousand local jobs. Both sides also explored expansion of cooperation in digital public infrastructure, mining, critical minerals and clean energy, areas that will shape the next phase of industrial and technological growth.
The leaders reaffirmed their determination to work together to advance the concerns of the Global South. They discussed close coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, and called for greater collaboration on climate change, renewable energy and disaster risk reduction. In this context, they welcomed the role of platforms such as the International Big Cat Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuel Alliance and the International Solar Alliance. Prime Minister Modi also expressed India’s eagerness to work with Ethiopia as a BRICS partner during its presidency and in preparation for the proposed India Africa Forum Summit.
The meeting produced concrete outcomes. Three memorandums of understanding were signed covering training for United Nations peacekeeping operations, mutual administrative assistance in customs matters and the establishment of a data centre at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These agreements will enhance Ethiopia’s institutional capacities while deepening the operational texture of the bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Ethiopia for its solidarity after the Pahalgam terror attack and for supporting the global fight against terrorism. The warmth of the engagement was reflected in the banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abiy in honour of Prime Minister Modi and the latter’s invitation to his Ethiopian counterpart to visit India, which was readily accepted.
By choosing to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership, India and Ethiopia have sent a clear signal. Their relationship is not confined to rhetoric or symbolism; it is being recast as a durable, many layered partnership rooted in shared interests, developmental priorities and a common voice for the Global South.
