India and Ethiopia took significant steps towards strengthening bilateral ties on Wednesday as the Indian Prime Minister, PM Narendra Modi, called for the establishment of a long-term strategic relationship during his first official visit to the East African nation, one of the continent’s most populous countries.
Addressing Ethiopian parliamentarians in a special session, PM Modi framed the growing partnership within a broader vision for developing nations. “The Global South is writing its own destiny, and India and Ethiopia share a vision for it,” he said, emphasising cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. “Our vision is of a world where the Global South rises not against anyone, but for everyone; a world where development is fair, where technology is accessible, and where sovereignty is respected,” PM Modi added, drawing sustained applause from lawmakers.
The visit culminated in the signing of several memorandums of understanding covering a wide range of sectors. The two governments agreed to cooperate on the training of United Nations peacekeepers, expand educational exchanges, and support the establishment of a new data centre within Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. India also pledged to assist Ethiopia in addressing its growing international debt under the G20 Common Framework and to deepen collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts.
On Tuesday, PM Modi was awarded Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan Ethiopia, by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The distinction marked a historic moment, with PM Modi becoming the first foreign head of government to receive the award. “We will walk together as equals, build together as partners, and succeed together as friends,” PM Modi said during the ceremony, describing the relationship as one rooted in shared history and common aspirations.
Ethiopia’s outreach to India comes amid a broader recalibration of its foreign policy. The country became a full member of the BRICS grouping last year, joining nations including Iran and Egypt, as it seeks to diversify partnerships following the end of a devastating two-year civil war in its northern Tigray region. India is scheduled to host the 18th BRICS summit next year, a development expected to further elevate Ethiopia’s engagement with New Delhi.
Relations between Addis Ababa and Washington have cooled in recent years. The United States suspended Ethiopia’s duty-free access to the American market in 2022, a move that dealt a blow to its export-driven growth. More recently, humanitarian assistance was scaled back after the termination of several USAID-funded programmes, adding to economic pressures. Against this backdrop, India has emerged as an increasingly important partner. It remains a popular destination for Ethiopians seeking affordable medical treatment and higher education, services that are often difficult to access domestically. Officials on both sides suggested that people-to-people ties would form a cornerstone of the evolving relationship.
PM Modi’s visit is widely seen as signalling India’s intention to play a more prominent role in Africa, particularly among countries of the Global South seeking alternatives in trade, development finance and diplomatic support.
