PM MODI's VISIT IS VERY ICONIC FOR INDIA-ETHIOPIA RELATIONS

Prime Minister Modi visited Ethiopia on the 16th and 17th December, 2025 at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally went to Addis Ababa airport to receive Prime Minister Modi. The two leaders had an informal conversation at the airport. During this time, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also offered Modi traditional Ethiopian coffee. Afterward, Abiy Ahmed himself drove Modi to his hotel. On the way, he showed Modi the Science Museum and Friendship Park.

At the hotel, PM Modi was given a warm welcome by members of the Indian community. He also interacted with NRIs, and a young girl performed a cultural dance for him.

Ahead of the visit, Addis Ababa has been decked up with welcome hoardings, posters, and Indian flags, reflecting the warm reception awaiting the Indian Prime Minister. The city is witnessing heightened enthusiasm as Ethiopia prepares to host the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 2011. This visit also reflects India’s commitment to deepening South-South cooperation.

BILATERAL MEETING

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali formally welcomed him at the National Palace in Ethiopia, where the two leaders held a bilateral meeting. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali praised Modi’s vision, saying that the Indian leader consistently stresses that partnerships with Africa should be shaped according to the continent’s own needs.

He said that today, a new and stronger partnership is needed between India and Ethiopia. This partnership should be based on mutual respect, equality, and cooperation, so that both countries can move forward together.

HIGHLIGHTS OF MAJOR AGREEMENTS

Among the major agreements announced were an accord on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters, a Memorandum of Understanding for establishing a data centre at Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an implementing arrangement for cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations training.

India and Ethiopia also signed an MoU on debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework, reflecting closer coordination on economic and financial issues. Educational cooperation was strengthened with a decision to double scholarships for Ethiopian students under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations programme and to offer specialised short-term courses in Artificial Intelligence under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation initiative.

In the healthcare sector, India is committed to supporting capacity augmentation at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Addis Ababa, particularly in maternal healthcare and neonatal care.

Ethiopia is India’s important and trusted partner in the Global South, and the African context. Agriculture, mining, digital public infrastructure, Solar Alliance and cybersecurity remained the key areas on the agenda for discussions between the Indian side and the Ethiopian leadership. 

FIRST SPEECH OF PM MODI IN ETHIOPIA

In his first visit to Ethiopia, the Prime Minister addressed the Joint Session of Parliament and shared his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.

In his speech, PM Modi said, “India and Ethiopia have had contact, communication, and exchange for thousands of years. Our two countries, rich in languages ​​and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity. Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are fellow travelers and partners of the Global South. We have stood shoulder to shoulder on international platforms.”

He further stated that, "The African Union headquarters in Ethiopia makes Ethiopia a focal point of African diplomacy. Driven by a shared vision of an inclusive world, India ensured in 2023 that the African Union became a member of the G20."

INDIA-ETHIOPIA RELATIONS STRENGTHENED

The talks between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have strengthened the strategic partnership between India and Ethiopia. The two leaders also discussed launching new programs in artificial intelligence (AI) and doubling student scholarships, which will give more Ethiopian students the opportunity to study in India.

Three key issues were discussed to strengthen bilateral relations with Ethiopia: food and health security, digital public infrastructure (DPI), and capacity building. Agreements were reached on approximately eight issues between the two countries, including political, economic, security, business, and investment matters.

Cooperation between India and Ethiopia has already led to improvements in healthcare. The medical facilities have improved tremendously. Many hospitals are undertaking research with Indian hospitals, and one of them is Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.

ETHIOPIA HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOUR

Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude after being conferred with Ethiopia's highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, calling it a matter of immense pride and a recognition of the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. The recognition marks the 28th top foreign state award bestowed on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Thanking the people and government of Ethiopia and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, PM Modi said the award belonged to the countless Indians who have contributed over the years to strengthening India-Ethiopia relations. He noted that being honoured by one of the world's most ancient civilisations was deeply meaningful.

INDIA IS ETHIOPIA's SECOND LARGEST TRADING PARTNER

India is Ethiopia's second-largest trading partner. Trade between the two countries amounted to ₹5175 crore in 2023-24. During this period, India exported goods worth ₹4433 crore and Ethiopia exported goods worth ₹742 crore.

Ethiopia imports iron, steel, medicines and pharmaceuticals, machinery, and equipment from India. In turn, India imports pulses, precious stones, vegetables and seeds, leather, and spices from Ethiopia.

Trade relations between India and Ethiopia began in the 1940s. Business ties existed between the two countries even before India's independence. Formal trade between the two nations commenced after the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950.

Today, there is a need for a new and stronger partnership between India and Ethiopia. Foreign investment in Ethiopia is also growing rapidly, and India has emerged as the largest investor. More than 615 Indian companies are investing in Ethiopia.