Ethiopia and India are elevating their long-standing bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced following talks with his visiting Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Addis Ababa.
Modi began a state visit to Ethiopia on Tuesday.
“Today, we Ethiopia and India have decided to elevate our relationship to a strategic relationship,” Ahmed said, noting that the two countries have established thousands of years of relations through trade, diplomacy, education, culture, and even in their food and traditions.”
Ahmed emphasised that the partnership is rooted in South–South cooperation and aligns with Africa-led and defined development priorities.
“Our cooperation is grounded in equality and self-reliance,” Ahmed said, adding that both countries place strong emphasis on national capacity building, inclusive development, and partnerships that respect independence.
Noting that there are more than 615 Indian companies operating in Ethiopia, Ahmed said the new partnership will help further strengthen cooperation and build trust between the countries.
Indian PM Narendra Modi, said the decision to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership would give new momentum and depth to the long standing cooperation between the two countries.
He described Ethiopia and India as democratic partners committed to peace, development, and the welfare of humanity.
Modi further said the talks with his Ethiopian counterpart covered key areas of cooperation including the economy, innovation, technology, defense, capacity building, and multilateral engagement.
While addressing the joint session of the House of People’s Representatives and House of Federation, Modi traced the long-standing historical and people-to-people connections between India and Ethiopia.
“Thousands of Indian teachers came to Ethiopia… Ethiopian students also traveled to India seeking knowledge and friendship,” he said, emphasising the contributions of Indian traders, soldiers, and educators in building the modern Ethiopia.
Talking on economic and development cooperation, Modi cited the Indian investments of over $5billion in Ethiopia across sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, agriculture, and health, creating more than 75,000 local jobs.
Modi pledged his country will support Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, including the development of a data centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said India and Ethiopia saw growing cooperation in the health sector too, from pharmaceuticals to hospitals; from traditional medicine to telemedicine.
“We are committed to strengthen health security through equipment, capacity building, and professional training,” he added.
Modi also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in cyber security, defense industries, joint research, and capacity building.
MG/as/APA