Ethiopia and India have agreed to elevate their long-standing bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed(PhD) announced following talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Addis Ababa.
Speaking at a bilateral meeting held at the National Palace, PM Abiy said the decision reflects the depth of historical ties and a shared vision for a modern partnership grounded in sovereignty, equality, and practical cooperation.
Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the centuries-old connections between the two nations through trade, diplomacy, education, culture, and shared traditions. PM emphasized that the partnership is rooted in SouthโSouth cooperation and aligns with Africa-led development priorities. Ethiopia, he said, values Indiaโs consistent and respectful approach of allowing African priorities to guide partnerships, underscoring equality, self-reliance, and national capacity building.
Addressing Ethiopiaโs economic outlook, PM Abiy noted that the country achieved 9.2 percent economic growth last year and is projecting 10.3 percent growth this year. PM added that foreign direct investment is rising, with India among the leading sources. More than 615 Indian companies are currently operating in Ethiopia, he said, providing a strong foundation of trust and cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the elevation to a strategic partnership would add new momentum and depth to bilateral relations. Describing Ethiopia and India as democratic partners committed to peace, development, and human welfare, he highlighted Ethiopiaโs role as a hub of African diplomacy as host of the African Union headquarters. PM Modi recalled Indiaโs support for the African Unionโs admission to the G20 in 2023 and announced that India will double scholarships for Ethiopian students.
The leaders discussed cooperation across key sectors, including the economy, innovation, technology, defense, capacity building, and multilateral engagement. They also presided over the exchange of agreements, including a memorandum of understanding on establishing a data center at Ethiopiaโs Ministry of Foreign Affairs and cooperation on United Nations peacekeeping.
The meeting followed a grand welcoming ceremony and underscored Ethiopiaโs commitment to forging strategic partnerships that advance national development and regional and global cooperation.
