India and Ethiopia on Tuesday (Dec 16, 2025) upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Mr. Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his first bilateral visit, was given a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relationship rooted in shared history and promising future.
“We are elevating India-Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will give new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties,” PM Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked Prime Minister Ali for his support in India’s fight against terrorism. “The support of friendly countries in this fight against terrorism is of great importance,” Modi said.
“Today we got an opportunity to discuss key aspects of our cooperation like economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity building and multilateral cooperation. I am glad that today we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India,” Mr. Modi said.
Mr. Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contacts, dialogue and exchange for thousands of years. Both countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
“Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and human well-being. We are fellow travelers and partners of the global South. We have stood side by side on international platforms,” he said.
Mr. Modi said the African Union’s seat in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting place for African diplomacy. “Inspired by a common vision of an inclusive world, India has ensured that the African Union becomes a member of the G20 in 2023,” he said.
In 2023, during India’s chairmanship of the G20, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Mr. Modi said that although it was his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting thousands of years of association between the two countries.
Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even food and traditions. “These ties continue to shape the deep friendship, cooperation and mutual respect between our people,” he said.
“We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa’s priorities must be led by partnership. These kinds of dignified and respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr. Prime Minister, keep it up. That’s the kind of message we expect from all our trusted friends,” Mr. Ali said.
He said this is fully in line with Ethiopia’s development plan – owned by Africans, led by Africans and defined by Africans.
“Today we encounter a clear focus on forming a modern partnership, based on sovereignty, self-sufficiency and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity,” he said.
“Our economy is doing well. Last year we grew by 9.2% and this year we expect GDP to grow by 10.3%. Apart from GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also growing significantly. India is the main source of our FDI,” he said.
“We have more than 615 Indian companies investing in Ethiopia. All this gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today to upgrade our historical relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision,” he added.
PM Modi also visited Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, Prime Minister Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and given a warm and colorful welcome.
“Ethiopia is a nation with a great history and a vibrant culture,” Mr. Modi said in a social media post.
Prime Minister Ali briefed his Indian counterpart about Ethiopian coffee varieties during informal talks.
“We attended a traditional coffee ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at Addis Ababa airport. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage,” Mr. Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister took Modi to a hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative and took PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
The special gestures by the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian prime minister show remarkable respect for Mr. Modi, sources said.
“I thank Ethiopia for the welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community has shown remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship will grow even stronger in times to come,” Mr. Modi said.
When Mr. Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced to the theme of the popular Hindi song “Aisa Des Hai Mera” as a welcome.
On Wednesday (December 17, 2025), Mr. Modi will address a joint session of Parliament to share his thoughts on India’s journey as the “mother of democracy” and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan where he met King Abdullah II on Monday (December 15, 2025) ahead of delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan have also signed memorandums of understanding in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and Petra-Ellora partnership to significantly enhance bilateral relations and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the last leg of this three-nation tour.
