Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook his first bilateral visit to Ethiopia on 16–17 December 2025, marking a historic milestone in India–Africa relations. The visit culminated in the formal elevation of India–Ethiopia relations to a Strategic Partnership, signalling a shift from traditional cooperation to a long-term, structured, and multidimensional engagement.

Key Outcomes of PM Modi’s 2025 Visit:

1. Strategic Partnership:

• • • • Cooperation was expanded across diplomacy, defence, economy, technology, and development.
      • Both sides emphasised regional peace, counter-terrorism, and shared Global South priorities.

2. Conferment of the Highest State Honour:

• • • • Prime Minister Modi was conferred the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, the country’s highest civilian award.
      • The honour symbolises Ethiopia’s recognition of India as a trusted and long-standing development partner.

3. Eight MoUs and Agreements:

Key agreements signed during the visit include:

• • • • Debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework
      • Establishment of a Data Centre at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
      • Cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping training
      • Customs cooperation to facilitate trade
      • Expansion of ICCR scholarships and AI courses under ITEC
      • Healthcare cooperation, including the upgradation of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Addis Ababa

Economic and Commercial Relations:

Economic engagement remains a central pillar of bilateral ties:

• • • Bilateral trade (FY 2024–25): US$ 550.19 million
      • Indian exports: US$ 476.81 million
      • Indian imports: US$ 73.38 million
    • The trade relationship is strongly export-driven, highlighting Ethiopia’s importance as a market for Indian goods.
    • Ethiopia benefits from India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme for Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Indian Investments in Ethiopia:

• • Over 675 Indian companies are registered in Ethiopia.
  • Total Indian investments exceed US$ 6.5 billion, making India one of the largest investors in the country.

Defence, Security, and Multilateral Cooperation:

• • • Signing of a Defence Cooperation MoU and the holding of the first-ever Joint Defence Cooperation Meeting (2025).
    • Continued collaboration in UN Peacekeeping Operations, reflecting a shared commitment to global peace and stability.
    • Ethiopia expressed strong support for India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, including solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack.
    • Enhanced coordination at multilateral forums, including:
      • United Nations
      • BRICS
      • African Union–India engagement mechanisms
      • Global initiatives such as ISA, CDRI, IBCA, and GBA

Strategic Significance of Ethiopia:

Ethiopia, as Africa’s second-most populous country and the host of the African Union (AU) headquarters, occupies a pivotal position in India’s Africa and Global South strategy.

Ethiopia’s importance for India stems from:

• • • • Its role as the diplomatic capital of Africa
      • Its strategic location in the Horn of Africa, a region vital for maritime security and regional stability
      • Active participation in UN peacekeeping missions
      • A large domestic market and growing economic potential

The Strategic Partnership reflects shared interests in peace, development, and multipolar global governance.

Conclusion:

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ethiopia and the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership mark a watershed moment in India–Africa relations. By deepening cooperation across security, development, digital infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic resilience, the partnership reflects India’s vision of inclusive growth, strategic autonomy, and a multipolar world order. Ethiopia, as Africa’s diplomatic nerve centre, will remain a key pillar of India’s long-term engagement with the continent.