A strategic embrace in Addis Ababa
In recent years, India has emerged as a powerful voice of the Global South. The G20 Summit in Delhi further cemented its position as a leader keen on taking up issues concerning developing countries and forging lasting ties with nations in Africa and Asia that form the bulk of the Global South. In keeping with India’s policy of cooperation with these countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first-ever visit to Ethiopia marks a significant diplomatic milestone.
The most important takeaway from the visit is the elevation of India–Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership, backed by multiple agreements. These agreements clearly signal strong political intent, translating into concrete developmental priorities. The personal rapport between the two leaders was another highlight that received media attention, and rightly so. Prime Minister Modi’s bilateral meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali offered clear evidence of the growing bond between the two countries.
The emphasis on cooperation in areas such as the economy, technology, defence, health, capacity building, and multilateral engagement points to a relationship that is moving beyond traditional goodwill towards long-term collaboration. Modi’s assertion that the partnership would bring “new energy, new momentum and new depth” reflects an ambition to institutionalise cooperation. The conferment of Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour—the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia — on Modi was a powerful diplomatic signal. The warm welcome accorded to Modi, with Abiy Ahmed personally receiving him at the airport and accompanying him to public engagement points to personal bonding.
A key highlight of the visit was India’s decision to double scholarships for Ethiopian students. This move is likely to further strengthen India’s standing in Ethiopia and deepen people-to-people ties. Education and training have long underpinned India’s soft power, and expanding these avenues creates connections that endure beyond political cycles. The broader framing of both nations as “democratic powers” and “fellow travellers of the Global South” is equally noteworthy, positioning the partnership within a shared worldview that emphasises development, strategic autonomy, and reform of global governance institutions.
India also found in Ethiopia another African partner that shares concerns over terrorism. Ethiopia’s support and condolences following the Pahalgam terror attack reinforce counter-terrorism as an area of shared concern.
Moving on, the Ethiopia leg of Modi’s tour followed a productive visit to Jordan, where five MoUs were signed, underscoring India’s expanding outreach to West Asia and Africa, yet another frontier of the Global South. Taken together, these visits illustrate India’s effort to weave economic cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and strategic interests into a cohesive foreign policy. India sees Ethiopia as a political gateway to Africa and a fast-growing economic partner, while Ethiopia views India as a dependable development ally without a hidden agenda. The ties can only grow stronger with time.
