The historic relationship between India and Ethiopia reached new heights on Tuesday. Following extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, the two countries decided to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership. This move is considered significant for India-Africa relations. Prime Minister Modi, who arrived on his first bilateral visit, was given a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace, signaling the growing closeness between the two countries.
Following the delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Modi stated that India and Ethiopia are elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership. He stated that this decision will bring new energy, new momentum, and new depth to the relationship between the two countries. The talks discussed key issues such as the economy, technology, defense, health, education, capacity building, and multilateral cooperation. Modi also thanked Prime Minister Ali for Ethiopia's support to India in the fight against terrorism.
Emphasis on Thousands of Years-Old Relations
Prime Minister Modi noted that India and Ethiopia have had thousands of years of contact, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Both countries are rich in languages and traditions and embody unity in diversity. He said that both are democratic powers committed to peace and human welfare. As partners of the Global South, India and Ethiopia have always stood shoulder to shoulder on international platforms.
Eight Key Agreements, New Edge to Cooperation
Eight key agreements were signed between the two countries on this occasion. These include upgrading the relationship to a strategic partnership, customs cooperation, the establishment of a data center in the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UN peacekeeping training, debt restructuring under the G20, increasing the number of ICCR scholarships, AI short courses for Ethiopian students, and cooperation in maternal and newborn health services. Prime Minister Modi informed that India has decided to double the number of scholarships for Ethiopian students.
Referring to the African Union and the G20
Prime Minister Modi said that the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes it a hub for African diplomacy. He recalled that during India's G20 presidency in 2023, the African Union was made a permanent member of the G20. This step reflects India's commitment to an inclusive global order.
Ethiopia's Trust and Investment Relations
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali stated that the two countries share thousands of years of ties through trade, diplomacy, education, culture, and traditions. He appreciated India's message that Africa's priorities should be the foundation of the partnership. Ali noted that Ethiopia's economy is performing strongly, and India is its largest source of foreign direct investment. Over 615 Indian companies are investing in the country, building a strong foundation of trust.
Prime Minister Modi was awarded Ethiopia's highest honor, "The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia," becoming the first global head of state to receive this honor. The two Prime Ministers also visited Friendship Park and Friendship Square. During their informal talks, Ethiopian coffee was discussed, and as a special gesture, Prime Minister Ali personally escorted Prime Minister Modi to the hotel.
Prime Minister Modi said that the Ethiopian welcome was unforgettable and the Indian community showed deep warmth. On Wednesday, he will address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the 'mother of democracy' and the role of the India-Ethiopia partnership in the Global South.
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