Addis Ababa

India and Ethiopia on Tuesday decided to elevate their bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership, a move Prime Minister Narendra Modi said would infuse new momentum, pace and depth into ties between the two countries.

During talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Modi said the decision reflected the shared vision and long-standing bonds between the two nations. He noted that India and Ethiopia, both vibrant democracies, are committed to peace, development and the broader welfare of humanity, and see themselves as partners in advancing the interests of the Global South.

“By upgrading our relations to a strategic partnership, we are opening a new chapter that will energise cooperation and strengthen our engagement across sectors,” Modi said.

Highlighting the historical linkages between the two countries, the Prime Minister said India and Ethiopia have enjoyed people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges for centuries. He described both nations as examples of unity in diversity, with rich linguistic and cultural traditions. Modi also pointed out that India and Ethiopia have consistently supported each other on international platforms.

Referring to Ethiopia’s role in African diplomacy, Modi said the presence of the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa makes the country a central hub of the continent’s global engagement. He recalled India’s role in ensuring the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 in 2023, guided by a shared commitment to an inclusive world order.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali welcomed the elevation of ties, saying Ethiopia’s economy is on a strong growth trajectory. He said the country recorded GDP growth of 9.2 per cent last year and is expecting growth of over 10 per cent this year, alongside a significant rise in foreign direct investment.

“India is a leading source of FDI for Ethiopia, with more than 615 Indian companies operating here. This economic partnership is built on trust, and upgrading our historic relationship to a strategic partnership is both timely and appropriate,” Abiy Ahmed said.

As part of the visit, the two sides also exchanged memoranda of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation in key areas.

PM Modi received a warm welcome on his arrival in Addis Ababa, marking the second leg of his three-nation tour. In a special gesture, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally received Modi at the airport and accompanied him to his hotel. En route, Abiy Ahmed also took Modi to visit the Science Museum and Friendship Park, an unscheduled addition that underscored the warmth of the bilateral relationship.

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External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the visit reflected India’s commitment to deepening South-South cooperation and strengthening engagement with Africa. This is PM Modi’s first bilateral visit to Ethiopia and highlights the growing importance of the partnership between the two countries.