World Media Reacts to Modi’s Historic Visit to Ethiopia: Strategic Partnership and Global Ties in Focus

Addis Ababa, December 17, 2025 (FMC) — Major international and Indian media outlets have provided extensive coverage of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Ethiopia, portraying it as a landmark diplomatic engagement that has deepened bilateral ties, expanded strategic cooperation, and reinforced shared priorities on the global stage.

Associated Press / AP News reported that during his visit, Modi emphasised the need for a renewed strategic partnership with Ethiopia, outlining a shared vision for inclusive development, accessible technology and respect for sovereignty. The coverage highlighted several memoranda of understanding signed on UN peacekeeper training, education and digital infrastructure, as well as cooperation in managing debt under the G20 Common Framework, counterterrorism and other areas. AP noted that Modi received Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the “Great Honour Nishan Ethiopia,” marking the first time a foreign leader has been so recognised.

DD News (India) reported that India and Ethiopia unveiled a strategic roadmap during the visit, formally elevating bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. The outlet described the elevation as a significant step in deepening cooperation between the two Global South partners. Coverage emphasised discussions on trade, technology, defence, culture, and cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

The Federal reported that Modi described the signing of multiple agreements as “significant” in strengthening bilateral cooperation focused on growth and people‑centred development, noting India’s first bilateral visit to Ethiopia by a sitting prime minister and the formalisation of the Strategic Partnership.

Economic Times (India) highlighted that the visit elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and produced several key agreements, including cooperation on customs assistance, UN peacekeeping training, digital infrastructure, and debt restructuring under multilateral frameworks. The report also noted India’s plans to support healthcare upgrades, expanded scholarships, and other collaborative initiatives.

Business Today described the outcomes of wider discussions covering economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity building, and multilateral engagement. The coverage included Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s comments on strong economic growth and rising foreign direct investment, with India as a leading investor. The report noted expanded cooperation in digital public infrastructure, clean energy, and healthcare, and highlighted ceremonial honours and cultural visits.

Times of India carried multiple reports focusing on symbolic and diplomatic aspects, including:

Modi’s address to the Ethiopian Parliament, where he hailed historic ties and shared civilisational links, describing Ethiopia as the “land of lions” and expressing deep respect for Ethiopian heritage and democratic aspirations.

A report noting that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally drove Modi to the airport in a rare diplomatic gesture, interpreted as a sign of warmth and mutual respect.

Coverage confirming that Modi was conferred the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, the country’s highest civilian award, underscoring the strengthening diplomatic relationship.

Africanews reported on Modi’s arrival in Addis Ababa, noting that he was welcomed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with traditional cultural performances and interactions with the Indian community. The outlet highlighted that the visit underscores Ethiopia’s role as a key diplomatic hub in Africa and marks deepening bilateral cooperation.

Arab News / Anadolu Agency and other international outlets described Modi’s arrival and first engagements in Addis Ababa as signalling deeper ties, noting Ethiopia’s strategic importance in Africa as a host of the African Union and the mutual interest in amplifying the voice of the Global South. Coverage also pointed to high‑level meetings and speeches as focal points of the visit.

India Today featured reports on Modi’s parliamentary address, emphasising that he spoke before a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, marking a historic moment in diplomatic outreach and reinforcing bilateral cooperation across multiple domains.

The Week (via PTI) highlighted Modi’s remarks on the strategic alignment between India and Ethiopia, quoting him on the partnership’s relevance to regional peace, security and connectivity, and noting that the expanded defence cooperation complements wider bilateral ties.

IANS / Sarkaritel reported on comments from India that the Ethiopia visit strengthened Global South cooperation and underscored long‑standing relations between the two countries. Coverage noted that Modi emphasised the historic relationship and collaborative prospects as central to future joint efforts on global governance and development priorities.

Moneycontrol analysed Modi’s diplomatic style, noting that his welcome by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and subsequent engagements were being interpreted internationally as part of broader “car diplomacy” and personal rapport signalling strong bilateral warmth.

Across these reports, world media consistently highlighted three core themes in Modi’s visit to Ethiopia: the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, the symbolic and personal diplomatic gestures underscoring mutual respect and warmth, and the broad range of cooperation agreements spanning trade, technology, defence, health, and multilateral engagement. The visit was also widely portrayed as part of India’s continued outreach to Africa and the Global South, illustrating Ethiopia’s significant diplomatic role on the continent and the deepening strategic alignment between Addis Ababa and New Delhi.