History To Strategy: PM Modi Elevates India-Ethiopia Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi framed India and Ethiopia as ancient partners and active co-passengers of the Global South during his delegation-level talks in Addis Ababa. He opened the meeting at the Ethiopian National Palace by stressing centuries of contact, exchange, and shared civilisational ties.

PM Modi said the familiarity he felt on arrival sprang from deep, longstanding links between the two peoples.

Prime Minister Modi told Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali that both nations embody unity in diversity and stand committed to peace and human welfare. He called India and Ethiopia democratic powers that consistently stand shoulder-to-shoulder on international platforms.

“Excellency, my brother, my friend. Visiting Ethiopia has truly filled me with immense joy. This is my first visit to Ethiopia. But as soon as I landed here, I felt deep familiarity and affinity,” said PM Modi.

“India and Ethiopia have had contact, communication and exchange for thousands of years. Our two countries, which are 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 co-passengers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder. African Union headquarters in Ethiopia makes Ethiopia the meeting point of African diplomacy. Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member,” he further noted.

PM Modi highlighted India’s role in securing the African Union’s permanent place at the G20 in 2023 as an example of practical South-South solidarity.

Both delegations converted rhetoric into action by signing a clutch of Memoranda of Understanding. The two sides agreed to establish a data centre at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and formalised cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping training.

They also concluded an arrangement to provide mutual administrative assistance in customs matters.

Each MoU targets a precise gap: digital infrastructure, peacekeeping capacity, and streamlined trade operations.

Prime Minister Abiy welcomed PM Modi’s message that Africa should lead its own partnership agenda. He praised India’s consistent emphasis on dignity, sovereignty, and practical cooperation.

Abiy described the relationship as rooted in equality and mutual self-reliance, and he urged more Indian investment in Ethiopian priorities.

The visit overflowed with symbolic gestures that underlined personal diplomacy.

PM Abiy personally greeted PM Modi at the airport and drove him to the hotel.

En route to the hotel, Abiy Ahmed personally took Prime Minister Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, an unscheduled stop highlighting Ethiopia’s emphasis on innovation and youth.

At the airport, both leaders participated in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, underscoring a warm cultural exchange between the two nations.

Local Indian expatriates turned out in large numbers to greet PM Modi at the hotel. They, however, waved flags, chanted slogans, and presented floral tributes.

Cultural performances, including a rendition of the Bollywood song ‘Dharti Sunehra Ambar Neela,’ reflected the soft-power affinity that binds the communities.

PM Modi promised that India would expand cooperation across trade, technology, renewable energy, and capacity building.

He further said the two countries will elevate their partnership from symbolic camaraderie to concrete projects that deliver jobs, digital resilience, and institutional capacity.

The India-Ethiopia dialogue now moves into implementation. Officials will operationalise the MoUs and map technical timelines.

PM Modi will also address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament and meet diaspora leaders. These steps aim to cement people-to-people ties alongside state-level cooperation.

The visit sent an unmistakable message that India intends to deepen its engagement with Africa through partnerships rooted in respect for sovereignty and local priorities.

It also underscored New Delhi’s commitment to advancing shared ambitions of the Global South through equal and pragmatic cooperation.

Also Read: PM Modi’s Addis Ababa Reception Blends Diaspora Warmth, Bollywood Beats & Ethiopia’s Iconic Coffee Ritual