India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart

India and Ethiopia on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, upgraded their ties to strategic partnership as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali where they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.

Mr Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his first bilateral visit, was given a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of bilateral talks; this reflected vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.

During the delegation level talks, Prime Minister Modi said, “We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties.” he said.

He thanked Prime Minister Ali for his support to India’s fight against terrorism. “The support of friendly countries in the fight against terrorism is of great importance,” Mr. Modi said.

“Today, we had the opportunity to discuss key aspects of our cooperation such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today we decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India,” Mr. Modi said.

Mr. Modi said India and Ethiopia have had common contact, dialogue and exchange of ideas for thousands of years. He stated that the two countries, rich in language and tradition, are a symbol of unity in diversity.

“Both countries are democratic forces committed to peace and the well-being of humanity. We are companions and partners of the Global South. We have stood shoulder to shoulder on international platforms.” he said.

Mr Modi said the African Union’s headquarters in Ethiopia has made the country the meeting point of African diplomacy. “Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, India has ensured that the African Union becomes a G20 member in 2023,” he said.

In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.

Although this was his first visit, Mr. Modi said he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth that reflected the thousands-year-old bond between the two countries.

Prime Minister Ali said that the two countries share a bond that has lasted for thousands of years through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even our food and traditions. “These ties continue to shape deep friendship, cooperation and mutual respect between our peoples,” he said.

Mr. Ali said, “We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa’s priorities should lead the partnership. Such dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr. Prime Minister, keep pushing. This is the kind of message we expect from all our trusted friends.”

This, he said, was fully in line with Ethiopia’s African-owned, African-led and African-defined development plan.

“Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership based on sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity,” he said.

“Our economy is performing strongly. We grew 9.2% last year and expect 10.3% GDP growth this year. Along with GDP growth, our foreign direct investment flows are also increasing significantly. The leading source of our foreign direct investments is India.” he said.

“We have more than 615 Indian companies investing in Ethiopia. All of these provide a strong foundation of trust in our cooperation. I think our decision today to elevate our historical relationship to a strategic relationship is the right one.”

Prime Minister Modi also went to Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with Prime Minister Ali.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed at the airport with a warm and special gesture by his Ethiopian counterpart and received a warm and colorful welcome.

“Ethiopia is a nation with a great history and vibrant culture,” Mr. Modi said in a post on social media.

Prime Minister Ali gave information about Ethiopian coffee varieties to his Indian counterpart during unofficial meetings.

“We attended a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at Addis Ababa airport. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage,” Mr. Modi said.

In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister took Modi to the hotel.

On the way, he made a special attempt to take PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not included in the itinerary.

Sources said the special gestures by the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian Prime Minister showed extraordinary respect for Mr Modi.

“Thank you Ethiopia for a memorable welcome. The Indian community has shown extraordinary warmth and love. India-Ethiopia friendship will become stronger in the times to come,” Mr. Modi said.

When Mr Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dance shows. Some danced to the theme of popular Indian song ‘Aisa Des Hai Mera’ to welcome her.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Mr. Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India’s journey as the “Mother of Democracy” and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.

Prime Minister Modi came to Ethiopia from Jordan and met with King George II on Monday, December 15, 2025, before delegation-level talks. He had a one-on-one meeting with Abdullah at the Huseyiniye Palace.

India and Jordan also signed memorandums of understanding aimed at providing a major boost to bilateral relations and friendship in the areas of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora.

Modi will visit Oman from Ethiopia on the last leg of this three-nation tour.