India, Ethiopia Upgrade Ties to Strategic Partnership During PM Modi’s Visit
India and Ethiopia have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali in Addis Ababa. The two leaders underlined shared values of sovereignty, self-reliance, and practical cooperation, agreeing to deepen collaboration across key sectors including the economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, and capacity-building.
Several concrete initiatives were announced during the visit. Prime Minister Modi said India would double scholarships for Ethiopian students and confirmed the signing of three memorandums of understanding covering UN Peacekeeping Operations Training, customs cooperation, and the development of a data centre at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions also focused on digital public infrastructure, clean energy, mining and critical minerals, healthcare, and food security, alongside new AI short courses and expanded ICCR scholarship programmes.
Prime Minister Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s strong economic momentum, citing 9.2% growth last year and a projected 10.3% growth this year, with India emerging as the largest source of foreign direct investment. Over 615 Indian companies operate in Ethiopia, reflecting deep economic ties. Both leaders recalled centuries-old links across trade and culture and reaffirmed cooperation on climate action, renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, and global initiatives, marking a significant step forward in India–Africa relations.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
