Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Government Communications Service (GCS) said on Tuesday that the long-standing diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and India are helping elevate Africa–India relations to a new level.
In a statement issued on the occasion of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in Addis Ababa for an official visit, GCS said the engagement reflects Ethiopia’s growing diplomatic, economic, and strategic significance on the African continent.
According to the statement, Ethiopia’s relations with India have expanded beyond traditional diplomacy to include growing economic ties, comprehensive development cooperation, strategic partnership, and strengthened people-to-people relations within the framework of India’s Africa policy.
GCS noted that Prime Minister Modi’s visit reaffirms Ethiopia’s position as a major diplomatic hub in Africa, hosting continental and international institutions and playing an active role in regional and global affairs.
The statement further highlighted India’s growing interest in deepening its engagement with Africa and jointly promoting the voice of the Global South in international platforms, beyond conventional bilateral relations.
Ethiopia and India have maintained diplomatic relations since 1948, though historical links between the two countries date back more than two millennia, according to various studies cited in the statement.
GCS said India has strengthened its long-standing partnership with Ethiopia by supporting reforms in governance, economic development, trade, infrastructure, and digital transformation, positioning Ethiopia as a bridge between Africa and the wider world.
The statement also underscored India’s interest in expanding cooperation with Ethiopia on multilateral issues, including investment, technology transfer, climate change, peacekeeping, and sustainable development.
GCS further noted that India was among the countries that supported Ethiopia’s accession to the BRICS grouping, describing the move as conducive to strengthening multilateral diplomacy and advancing Ethiopia’s economic development within the framework.
Talks between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Prime Minister Modi are expected to focus on priority areas for Ethiopia, including trade and investment, renewable energy cooperation, aviation, and digital transformation.
Beyond bilateral engagement, the statement said the visit reflects Ethiopia’s growing influence in international forums and recognition of Addis Ababa as a center of African diplomacy.