Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and India share one of the oldest and most enduring relationships linking Africa and Asia, with ties that span ancient trade routes, diplomatic solidarity, economic cooperation and contemporary multilateral engagement.
As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertakes his first-ever official visit to Ethiopia, the longstanding and evolving partnership between the two countries has come into sharper focus.
Ancient Civilizational and Trade Connections
The historical links between Ethiopia and India date back more than two millennia. During the era of the Axumite Empire, Ethiopia was a central hub in the Indian Ocean trade network.
Indian merchants traded silk, spices and textiles in exchange for Ethiopian gold, ivory and agricultural products through the Red Sea port of Adulis.
These early interactions laid the foundation for sustained cultural and commercial exchanges between the Horn of Africa and South Asia.
Over the centuries, contacts continued through maritime trade and migration. Indian communities established themselves in parts of Ethiopia, contributing to commerce and craftsmanship.
Historical records also point to Indian involvement in Ethiopia during the 19th and early 20th centuries, including participation in military expeditions and resistance against foreign occupation, further embedding people-to-people ties.
Establishment of Modern Diplomatic Relations
Following India’s independence, Ethiopia and India formalized diplomatic relations in 1948, upgrading them to full ambassadorial level in 1950.
Ethiopia was among the earliest African nations to open an embassy in New Delhi, reflecting mutual recognition of shared interests and political solidarity.
Since then, the two countries have maintained close diplomatic engagement, marked by high-level visits, political consultations and cooperation within international and multilateral forums. Their relations have traditionally been characterized by respect for sovereignty, non-interference and support for multilateralism.
Economic and Trade Cooperation
Economic engagement has become a central pillar of Ethiopia–India relations. India is among Ethiopia’s leading trading partners, particularly within Asia. Indian exports to Ethiopia include pharmaceuticals, machinery, steel products and vehicles, while Ethiopia exports agricultural products, pulses, oilseeds, leather and spices to India.
Indian private investment has also expanded significantly, with hundreds of Indian companies operating in Ethiopia across sectors such as agriculture, textiles, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and services. Joint mechanisms, including trade and investment forums, have facilitated dialogue aimed at expanding cooperation into new and value-added sectors.
Development and Capacity-Building Partnership
India has long supported Ethiopia’s human capital development through training, scholarships and technical assistance. Since 1969, Ethiopia has been a major beneficiary of India’s Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, which has trained thousands of Ethiopian professionals in areas such as engineering, public administration, information technology and health.
Educational cooperation has been reinforced through scholarships offered under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, while bilateral agreements have expanded collaboration in science, technology, agriculture and media.
BRICS Cooperation: A New Multilateral Dimension
Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS on January 1, 2024 marked a new chapter in its engagement with India. As a founding member of BRICS, India has welcomed Ethiopia’s entry into the grouping, viewing it as a step toward strengthening South-South cooperation and amplifying the voice of developing economies in global governance.
Within the BRICS framework, Ethiopia and India cooperate on issues such as economic development, trade diversification, institutional reform, and shared development challenges. Ethiopian and Indian leaders have engaged on the margins of BRICS and BRICS-related meetings, agreeing to deepen collaboration in agriculture, technology, manufacturing and investment.
The BRICS platform has added a strategic multilateral layer to the bilateral relationship, complementing long-standing political, economic and development ties while opening new opportunities for coordination among emerging economies.
Defence and Strategic Engagement
In recent years, Ethiopia and India have expanded their cooperation into the defence and security sphere. In 2025, the two countries held their first Joint Defence Cooperation meeting, establishing a formal mechanism for military collaboration and strategic dialogue. This development reflects the growing breadth of the bilateral relationship amid evolving regional and global security dynamics.
Political and Multilateral Cooperation
Ethiopia and India continue to coordinate closely at the United Nations and other international platforms, advocating for peace, development and reform of global institutions. Their cooperation reflects shared interests in strengthening multilateralism and promoting the priorities of the Global South.
Cultural and People-to-People Relations
Cultural exchanges, educational linkages and long-standing people-to-people ties have further reinforced the relationship. Both nations’ cultural influence, academic cooperation and community interactions have played a role in fostering mutual understanding between the two societies.
Contemporary Relations and the Context of the Visit
Today, Ethiopia–India relations encompass trade, investment, education, development cooperation, defence engagement and multilateral coordination, including within BRICS. Prime Minister Modi’s visit — his first official trip to Ethiopia — comes at a time when bilateral and multilateral cooperation is expanding, reflecting a partnership that has evolved from ancient trade routes into a modern strategic relationship.
By Mesafint Brlie