Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, today, commencing a two-day State visit at the invitation of his counterpart, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. This high-level visit marks a significant step in strengthening the historical and strategic relationship between India and Ethiopia, two of the world's fastest-growing economies.
PM Modi was received with full honours upon landing at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, underscoring the importance Ethiopia places on this diplomatic engagement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PM Modi is on a 2-day State visit to Ethiopia at the invitation of Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2025
(Pics: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/zMuWJfUQXV
Agenda: Deepening Bilateral and Regional Ties
The State visit is structured to focus on enhancing cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors. Key discussions between PM Modi and PM Abiy Ahmed Ali are expected to revolve around:
- Trade and Investment: Boosting bilateral trade, which currently stands robust, with a focus on encouraging Indian investments in Ethiopia's rapidly developing sectors, particularly manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure.
- Defence and Security: Exploring avenues for greater collaboration in defence training, capacity building, and regional security issues, particularly concerning stability in the Horn of Africa.
- Development Cooperation: Reviewing India’s ongoing development assistance projects in Ethiopia, which include concessional lines of credit for critical infrastructure and capacity building programs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC).
- Global and Regional Issues: Exchanging views on important regional and multilateral issues, including cooperation within international bodies, and addressing shared challenges like climate change and food security.
Historical Context of India-Ethiopia Relations
India and Ethiopia share ancient historical and people-to-people ties, dating back over two millennia. India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Ethiopia. The presence of a large and vibrant Indian diaspora in Ethiopia, primarily engaged in education and business, forms a strong cultural and commercial bridge between the nations.
The State visit aims to build on this solid foundation, translating shared goodwill into tangible strategic and economic partnerships for the mutual benefit of both populations.
