Ethiopia–India Partnership Rooted in Self-Reliance, Mutual Respect: PM Abiy
Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said Ethiopia and India are entering the most consequential phase of their long-standing relationship, as the two countries stand “at the threshold of great opportunities” anchored in shared values, sovereignty, and development-driven cooperation.
The Prime Minister made the remarks on Tuesday night while hosting a grand State Banquet in honor of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Addis International Convention Center, attended by senior African Union officials, United Nations representatives, and high-level delegations from both countries.
Prime Minister Abiy said the Indian leader’s visit went beyond a diplomatic engagement and represented a meeting of two nations that understand how “purpose, persistence, and partnership” drive national transformation.
He said Ethiopia and India share a common belief in building national strength at home while engaging the world without compromising independence, noting that India’s vision of self-reliance strongly resonates with Ethiopia’s own development philosophy.
The Prime Minister stressed that both countries draw inspiration from ancient civilizations while striving to build modern, capable states for future generations, a shared outlook that creates wide-ranging opportunities for cooperation.
Highlighting practical areas of collaboration, Prime Minister Abiy pointed to industrialization, digital transformation, clean energy development, agriculture, and innovation as key pillars of the growing partnership. He said factories can create dignified jobs, digital platforms can expand access to services, and renewable energy can power industries and transform farming systems.
He also underscored the role of entrepreneurship and youth, noting that innovators from Addis Ababa to Bangalore are well-positioned to build globally competitive companies and shape the future of both nations.
Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that Ethiopia and India share not only strategic interests but also core values, including respect for sovereignty, human dignity, and inclusive development. He described the bilateral relationship as strategic, long-term, and rooted in mutual respect.
He further noted that closer Ethiopia–India cooperation demonstrates the potential of the Global South to pursue progress grounded in dignity and development anchored in national ownership.
Prime Minister Abiy thanked Prime Minister Modi for his visit and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to deepening the partnership, expressing hope that the relationship would inspire a new era of leadership based on shared ambition and collective progress.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Abiy also conferred his Indian counterpart with Ethiopia’s highest award, the ‘Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia’ in recognition of PM Modi’s commitment to the Global South and his contributions towards strengthening India – Ethiopia friendship.