Ethiopia and India have taken a major step toward strengthening bilateral relations, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National Palace for a high-level diplomatic visit that signals renewed cooperation across critical sectors.
The visit featured a ceremonial reception, a private tête-à-tête between both leaders, and a broader bilateral meeting involving senior officials from the two nations. Discussions focused on scaling partnerships that support Ethiopia’s development priorities, while expanding India’s long-standing role as a strategic ally in Africa.
During the session, Ethiopia and India signed a series of landmark agreements aimed at accelerating institutional collaboration. These included:
• A Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement in Customs Matters designed to boost trade systems and streamline cross-border regulation.
• A Memorandum of Understanding establishing a Data Centre within Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supporting digital governance and cybersecurity capacity.
• A Memorandum of Understanding on UN Peacekeeping cooperation, reaffirming shared commitments to global peace, regional stability, and multilateral diplomacy.
Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that India remains a trusted partner for Ethiopia’s growth agenda, noting that the new agreements will help deepen cooperation in technology, governance, and security. The visit also reflects Ethiopia’s broader efforts to reinforce international alliances and attract innovation-driven investment.
For India, the strengthened partnership positions New Delhi as a key actor in Africa’s geopolitical and economic landscape, aligning with its expanding foreign policy strategy across the continent.
The renewed collaboration between both countries highlights shared priorities in trade, digital transformation, and peacekeeping while setting the stage for increased commercial, diplomatic, and cultural engagement in the years ahead.
