Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described India and Ethiopia as “natural partners” in promoting regional peace, security, and connectivity, highlighting the growing strategic importance of ties between the two nations.
Addressing a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament in Addis Ababa, PM Modi said the relationship between India and Ethiopia is rooted not just in diplomacy, but also in shared values, geography, and development goals.
“Ethiopia stands at the crossroads of Africa, while India lies at the heart of the Indian Ocean region. This makes us natural partners in ensuring regional stability and connectivity,” the Prime Minister said.
A Historic Moment in Diplomacy
This was PM Modi’s first-ever bilateral visit to Ethiopia and also marked a personal milestone — the Ethiopian Parliament became the 18th legislature in the world to be addressed by him.
His speech was met with a standing ovation, reflecting the warmth and respect between the two countries.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi was also conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, recognising his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance India’s engagement with Africa.
Shared Journey as Developing Nations
During his address, PM Modi stressed that both India and Ethiopia, as developing nations, have much to learn from each other.
“We share not only warm climates, but also a warm spirit,” he said, pointing to common challenges such as poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.
He highlighted India’s experience in digital public infrastructure, education, healthcare, and skill development, while acknowledging Ethiopia’s growing role as a key economic and political hub in Africa.
Strategic Partnership and Africa Outreach
The visit has already yielded tangible outcomes. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the elevation of India–Ethiopia ties to a strategic partnership is one of the most significant results of the visit.
This partnership is expected to expand cooperation in:
- Trade and investment
- Defence and security
- Connectivity and logistics
- Capacity building and technology sharing
Ethiopia is a crucial partner in India’s broader Africa outreach strategy, especially given its location in the Horn of Africa — a region vital for global trade routes and maritime security.
Part of a Wider Diplomatic Tour
PM Modi’s Ethiopia visit is part of a four-day, three-nation tour aimed at strengthening India’s ties with West Asia and Africa. He arrived in Addis Ababa from Jordan on December 16 and is scheduled to depart for Oman next.
The visit underscores India’s intent to play a more active role in shaping regional stability beyond South Asia, while reinforcing partnerships with nations across Africa and the Middle East.
Looking Ahead
With shared development priorities and growing strategic alignment, India–Ethiopia relations are expected to deepen further in the coming years. PM Modi’s address to the Ethiopian Parliament marks a symbolic and substantive step in that direction.
