18 Dec India–Ethiopia Relations: A Strategic Global South Partnership
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GS-2 – International Relations- India–Ethiopia Relations: A Strategic Global South Partnership
FOR PRELIMS
Why is Ethiopia important for India?
FOR MAINS
What were the key outcomes of PM Modi’s December 2025 visit to Ethiopia?
Why in the News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ethiopia on 16–17 December 2025 as part of his three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman. This was his first bilateral visit to Ethiopia, during which he held comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on bilateral cooperation and issues of regional and global importance. The visit is significant as Ethiopia is a key African partner for India, a BRICS member, and an important voice of the Global South. It also reflects India’s emphasis on strengthening
India–Ethiopia Bilateral Relations
Background & Strategic Significance
1. India–Ethiopia relations are rooted in over 2,000 years of historical ties, ancient trade links, and shared anti-colonial experiences.
2. Ethiopia is a key African partner for India, a BRICS member, an influential voice of the Global South, and host to the African Union Headquarters.
3. India considers Ethiopia a long-term development partner and a gateway to East Africa.
Political and Diplomatic Engagements: India–Ethiopia
| Dimension | Details |
|---|---|
| High-Level Political Contacts | • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Johannesburg (Nov 2025) and the BRICS Summit, Johannesburg (Aug 2023). |
| • Ethiopian Prime Minister participated in the 2nd and 3rd Voice of the Global South Summits chaired by India in 2023 and 2024. | |
| • Regular telephonic and summit-level interactions, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting continuity in political dialogue. | |
| Ministerial-Level Engagements | • India’s External Affairs Minister met Ethiopian counterparts during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Feb 2025). |
| • Bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (2021, 2022, 2024). | |
| • EAM visits to Addis Ababa (2023) focused on cooperation in education, health, development partnership, and coordination at the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN). | |
| Key Focus Areas | • Strengthening political trust and institutional mechanisms. |
| • Cooperation on regional security issues, multilateral coordination, and South–South cooperation. |
Institutional & Sectoral Engagements
1. Joint Trade Committee (6th meeting held in Addis Ababa, Nov 2023)
2. Defence cooperation institutionalised through:
3. First Joint Defence Cooperation Meeting (Oct 2025)
4. Parliamentary exchanges and capacity-building under ITEC and PRIDE
Recent Visits & Delegations: India–Ethiopia
| Delegation | Date/Year | Purpose / Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Delegations to Ethiopia | ||
| Multi-party Parliamentary delegation | May–June 2025 | Focused on counter-terrorism and global solidarity post-Pahalgam attack; engaged with Ethiopian officials, media, academia, and diaspora |
| Indian Delegation led by Additional DG (Project Tiger & Elephant) | Jan 28–31, 2024 | Participation in Global Cheetah Summit |
| Director General, International Solar Alliance (ISA) | Aug 11–15, 2025 | Discussed Ethiopia’s solar energy development plans |
| Indian Delegation led by Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance | July 21–27, 2024 | Participation in Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) of FfD4 |
| Ethiopian Delegations to India | ||
| Defence Minister | Feb 11, 2025 | Signed Defence Cooperation MoU at Aero India 2025 |
| State Minister of Health | Nov 08–16, 2025 | Health & pharmaceutical collaboration, study tour with World Bank |
| Chairperson, National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) | Aug 26–30, 2025 | Engagement on elections & governance |
| Parliamentary delegation | Feb 20–24, 2023 | Training at PRIDE, New Delhi, including govt whips and regional parliament representatives |
| Minister of Industry | Feb 2024 | Participation in Bharat Tex 2024, industrial cooperation
|
Economic and Commercial Relations
Economic ties form the backbone of bilateral relations. In FY 2024–25, bilateral trade stood at US$ 550.19 million, with India enjoying a trade surplus. Ethiopia is a beneficiary under India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme for Least Developed Countries. Indian companies rank among the top three foreign investors in Ethiopia, with over 675 registered firms and investments exceeding US$ 6.5 billion, particularly in manufacturing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, ICT and agriculture. Indian investments have generated significant local employment, strengthening Ethiopia’s industrial base.
Indian Diaspora in Ethiopia
Indian presence since late 19th century
Major contribution in:
Education (teachers, faculty)
Industry and services
Indian community size: ~2,500
Around 150 Indian faculty currently teaching in Ethiopian institutions
Outcome of PM Modi’s Visit (Dec 2025)
| Category | Details / Highlights |
|---|---|
| Civilian Honour | PM Modi conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian award: ‘Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia’ |
| Bilateral Status | India–Ethiopia ties elevated to Strategic Partnership |
| Acknowledgements by Ethiopia | – Support in counter-terrorism – Leadership in Global South initiatives – AU’s inclusion in G20 (2023) |
| Areas of Enhanced Cooperation | – Trade, investment, defence, innovation – Health security, digital health, pharmaceuticals – Agriculture, food security, agri-tech – Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Mining, critical minerals, clean energy |
| Multilateral Cooperation | – BRICS – United Nations – Global South platforms |
| Climate & Sustainability Cooperation | – Climate change mitigation – Renewable energy – Disaster resilience |
| Cooperation through International Platforms | – International Solar Alliance (ISA) – Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) – International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) |
| Parliamentary Engagement | PM Modi addressed the Joint Session of Ethiopian Parliament on 17 December 2025 |
Conclusion
India–Ethiopia relations are characterised by political continuity, expanding economic engagement, and strategic convergence. Ethiopia’s role in Africa, BRICS, and the Global South enhances its importance for India’s Africa policy. The elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership marks a new phase of cooperation rooted in development, security, and multilateral collaboration, reinforcing India’s long-term engagement with Africa.
Prelims question:
Q. Which of the following statements about India–Ethiopia relations is correct?
a) Ethiopia is a member of the African Union but not BRICS.
b) India–Ethiopia ties are rooted in over 2,000 years of historical and trade links.
c) India has no defence cooperation agreement with Ethiopia.
d) India–Ethiopia trade is limited to agricultural products.
Answer: B
Mains Question:
Q. Examine the strategic, economic, and multilateral dimensions of India–Ethiopia bilateral relations. Highlight the significance of PM Modi’s 2025 visit in enhancing cooperation.
(250 words)
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