Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (FMC) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, reaffirming the historic ties between Ethiopia and India and pledging to deepen their strategic partnership across multiple sectors.
The address was attended by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and members of both the House of People’s Representatives and the House of Federation.
“It is wonderful to be here in Ethiopia, the land of lions. I feel very much at home because my home state, Gujarat, in India, is also home to lions,” Modi said, highlighting Ethiopia’s ancient civilization, democratic journey, and vibrant culture.
He described Ethiopia as a nation that blends “ancient wisdom and modern ambition,” emphasizing its central role in African diplomacy.
Modi traced the long-standing historical and people-to-people connections between the two countries. “Thousands of Indian teachers came to Ethiopia… Ethiopian students also traveled to India seeking knowledge and friendship,” he said, noting the contributions of Indian traders, soldiers, and educators in building Ethiopia’s modern foundations.
He also highlighted cultural exchanges, including the influence of Ethiopian cuisine in India and Indian culinary traditions in Ethiopia.
Turning to economic and development cooperation, Modi cited Indian investments of over $5 billion across sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, agriculture, and health, creating more than 75,000 local jobs.
He noted that the two leaders recently agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, which will focus on technology, innovation, mining, clean energy, food security, health security, and capacity building.
Modi also underscored agriculture and digital cooperation. He highlighted India’s digital infrastructure, which enables efficient delivery of welfare benefits and financial services, and pledged to support Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, including the development of a data center at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On healthcare, Modi said: “Our cooperation is growing from pharmaceuticals to hospitals, from traditional medicine to telemedicine. We are committed to strengthen health security through equipment, capacity building, and professional training.”
On defense and security, Modi reaffirmed commitments under the Defense Cooperation Agreement signed earlier this year, covering collaboration in cyber security, defense industries, joint research, and capacity building.
He thanked Ethiopia for its solidarity after the April terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and for upholding zero tolerance toward terrorism.
The Indian Prime Minister reflected on historical milestones, including India’s support for the African Union’s membership in the G20 and Ethiopia’s full inclusion in BRICS.
He also paid tribute to Ethiopia’s global role, referencing his visit earlier that morning to the Adwa Victory Monument, a symbol of Africa’s triumph against colonialism.
“This monument is a timeless reminder of how Ethiopia’s victory inspired the entire colonized world in its quest for dignity and freedom,” he said.
Modi highlighted environmental and climate cooperation, noting India’s “A Tree for Mother” initiative and Ethiopia’s Green Legacy program, and pledged joint action on renewable energy, green jobs, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and climate justice, including support for Ethiopia at COP 32 in 2027.
Concluding his address, Modi underscored the shared vision for the Global South, equity, and inclusive development. “The future is calling, and India and Ethiopia are ready to answer. We will walk together as equals. We will build together as partners. And we will succeed together as friends,” he said, calling for cooperation that prioritizes technology sharing, affordable finance, local capacity building, and sustainable growth.