India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership during Modi’s landmark visit

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that India and Ethiopia elevated their relations Wednesday “to a strategic partnership,” during an address to Ethiopia’s parliament, concluding his first-ever visit to the Horn of Africa nation with high-level honors and major investment commitments.

The announcement followed talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and will focus on cooperation in areas including technology, mining, green energy and defense.

“Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and I took a big step forward yesterday,” Modi told lawmakers. “This will unleash the potential of our economies through cooperation in technology, innovation and green energy.”

Modi highlighted the cultural and historical ties between the two countries, noting that India’s national song “Vande Mataram” and Ethiopia’s national anthem honor their lands as “mother.”

He praised Ethiopia’s 1896 victory at the Battle of Adwa, calling it an inspiration for nations that endured colonization and a symbol of the Global South’s ability to assert itself independently.

Modi emphasized the economic role of Indian firms in Ethiopia, saying they rank among the country’s leading foreign investors.

“Indian companies have invested over $5 billion across sectors including textiles, agriculture, manufacturing and health -- generating more than 75,000 local jobs. This partnership has opened new avenues for growth,” he said.

During the visit, the two countries signed several memorandums of understanding, including an agreement for India to develop a major data center for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Abiy described the visit as a turning point, writing on US social media company X that it “underscores the growing ties between our two countries” and would lead to deeper cooperation across shared priorities.

The visit also featured symbolic gestures of goodwill, with Abiy personally driving Modi to key sites in Addis Ababa.

Modi was awarded the Grand Nishan of Ethiopia, the country’s highest honor.

The upgraded partnership comes after Ethiopia’s entry into the BRICS bloc and the African Union’s admission as a permanent member of the G20, a move India supported last year.

“The Global South is writing its own destiny,” said Modi. “We envision a future where the Global South rises together, not against anyone.”