Ethiopia and India Decide to Elevate Their Longstanding Bilateral Relations to Strategic Partnership

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and India have decided to elevate their long-standing bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Tuesday following talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Addis Ababa.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting held at the National Palace, Prime Minister Abiy said the decision reflects the depth of historical ties and a shared vision for a modern partnership grounded in sovereignty, equality, and practical cooperation.

“Today, we have decided to elevate our relationship from a historic relationship to a strategic relationship between Ethiopia and India,” PM Abiy said, noting that the two countries share “thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture, and even in our food and traditions.”

The Prime Minister emphasized that the partnership is rooted in South–South cooperation and aligns with Africa-led and African-defined development priorities. He said Ethiopia values India’s consistent position that Africa’s priorities must guide partnerships, describing it as a dignified and respectful approach.

“Our cooperation is grounded in equality and self-reliance,” PM Abiy said, adding that both countries place strong emphasis on national capacity building, inclusive development, and partnerships that respect independence.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s economic performance, PM Abiy said the country recorded 9.2 percent economic growth last year and is projecting 10.3 percent growth this year. He noted that foreign direct investment inflows are increasing, with India among the leading sources.

“We have more than 615 Indian companies investing in Ethiopia, which gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust,” he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his remarks, said the decision to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership would give new momentum and depth to cooperation between the two countries.

“Today, we are elevating India–Ethiopia relations to the level of a strategic partnership,” PM Modi said, describing Ethiopia and India as democratic partners committed to peace, development, and the welfare of humanity.

He highlighted Ethiopia’s role as a center of African diplomacy, hosting the headquarters of the African Union, and recalled India’s support for the African Union’s admission to the G20 in 2023.

According to PM Modi, discussions during the bilateral meeting covered key areas of cooperation, including the economy, innovation, technology, defense, capacity building, and multilateral engagement. He also announced that India has decided to double the number of scholarships provided to Ethiopian students.

The Indian Prime Minister further expressed appreciation for Ethiopia’s support in counterterrorism efforts, following a recent attack in Pahalgam, noting that solidarity from friendly countries is of great importance.

The bilateral talks were held following a grand welcoming ceremony hosted by Prime Minister Abiy at the National Palace. The two leaders also presided over the exchange of agreements, including a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a data center at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and cooperation on United Nations peacekeeping.

The meeting underscored Ethiopia’s diplomatic engagement with key international partners and its efforts to shape strategic partnerships that support national development and regional and global cooperation.