Addis Ababa, December 19, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ms. Ergogie Tesfaye, said that the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly strengthened the longstanding relationship between the two countries, elevating it to a strategic partnership that promises to advance development cooperation, technology transfer, and people-to-people relations.
The Ethiopian minister sat down with DD India, India’s state-owned public broadcaster, and highlighted that the bilateral ties between Ethiopia and India extend beyond formal diplomacy, encompassing deep-rooted cultural and historical connections and robust people-to-people interactions.
“Ethiopia and India have a long-standing relationship, which is even beyond diplomatic ties; it is a people-to-people relationship,” she said, noting that historical trade and cultural exchanges have contributed to a strong foundation of mutual understanding.
She added that Prime Minister Modi’s first official visit to Ethiopia “elevates the relationship that we have to a strategic partnership,” providing new opportunities to advance joint development initiatives.
Minister Ergogie explained that the strategic partnership will expand cooperation in areas such as education, agriculture, health, and technology. “Being a strategic partnership will help us implement collaboration in a way that takes it to a further level. South-South cooperation could also be strengthened, and ongoing development programs will be more effective,” she said.
She noted that India’s expertise in technology, including artificial intelligence and agricultural equipment, offers significant learning opportunities for Ethiopia, from production to market.
The Minister emphasized that the partnership will also enhance social and cultural ties. “It is not only about development; it is about strengthening collaboration between our peoples and governments. We share the same culture and a rich history,” she said.
On healthcare cooperation, Minister Ergogie welcomed India’s commitment to support Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, particularly for maternity and neonatal services. “It is a wonderful support for Ethiopian mothers and children,” she said, adding that India’s advanced medical technology and digital systems could help enhance services, improve access to essential medicines and equipment, and reduce maternal and child mortality.
Reflecting on moments from Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit, Minister Ergogie recalled accompanying him to key sites, including the Science Museum, Friendship Square, and the Adwa Victory Memorial.
She highlighted the significance of the Adwa memorial, noting that it commemorates Ethiopia’s historic victory over colonial forces, a symbol that resonated deeply with the Indian leader. “It is not only Ethiopia’s victory but a victory over colonization for the world, and I was pleased to see His Excellency appreciate this history and the contributions of Indians in the struggle,” she said.
Minister Ergogie also cited outcomes related to education and digital governance. She noted that the Indian government has doubled the ICCR scholarship quota for Ethiopian students and is supporting capacity-building programs in technology and agriculture. Additionally, India’s support has contributed to implementing Ethiopia’s social registry system, a cornerstone for sustainable social protection programs.
She highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the Women in Agriculture program, aimed at promoting economic empowerment for rural women, which will continue to benefit from India’s technical and financial support.
Commenting on the overall visit, Minister Ergogie described it as a landmark moment in Ethiopia-India relations. “We are delighted to have hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions, site visits, and bilateral engagements were highly fruitful. This visit is not the end but the beginning of a renewed and strengthened partnership,” she said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his first official visit to Ethiopia this week, marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations. During the two-day visit, he held extensive talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, resulting in the formal elevation of Ethiopia–India ties to a Strategic Partnership.
The leaders discussed expanding cooperation across trade, investment, technology, agriculture, clean energy, healthcare, and digital transformation, while reaffirming collaboration in regional security, defense, and counterterrorism.
In addition to high-level discussions, Prime Minister Modi participated in several symbolic and public engagements. He visited the Adwa Victory Memorial, paying tribute to Ethiopia’s historic triumph over colonial forces, toured the National Palace Museum and Science Museum in Addis Ababa, and planted a tree sapling as part of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative.
The Indian leader was conferred with the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties. Public spaces such as Friendship Park and Friendship Square, developed under Prime Minister Abiy’s “Dine for Nation” initiative, were also part of the itinerary, reflecting the shared vision for people-to-people connectivity.