PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Ethiopia: A New Era of Strategic Partnership

In a landmark diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a high-profile two-day state visit to Addis Ababa, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Ethiopia in 15 years. The visit, reported by India Today Global Editor Pranay Upadhyaya, underscores India’s deepening commitment to the African continent and the Global South.

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Key Milestones of the Visit

• Elevated Status: The bilateral relationship has been officially upgraded to a Strategic Partnership. This shift moves the bond beyond traditional cooperation into a formal alliance on security, technology, and economic policy.
• Highest Honor: In a gesture of profound respect, PM Modi was conferred with Ethiopia’s highest civilian honor, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.
• Parliamentary Address: PM Modi became a rare foreign leader to address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, where he emphasized shared democratic values and India’s role as a partner in Ethiopia’s growth.

Strategic Focus Areas

The discussions between PM Modi and Ethiopian leadership focused on three primary pillars:

1. Trade & Investment: Expanding market access and encouraging Indian investment in Ethiopia’s emerging sectors.
2. Capacity Building: India pledged continued support through the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) program, focusing on skill development and education for Ethiopian youth.
3. The Global South: Both nations reaffirmed their roles as vocal advocates for the interests of developing countries on the global stage, particularly within the framework of the African Union and the United Nations.

Regional Context: The Three-Nation Tour

Ethiopia served as a critical middle leg of the Prime Minister’s broader diplomatic mission.

• Previous Stop: The tour began with a focus on Middle Eastern ties.
• Next Stop: PM Modi is now traveling to Oman for the final leg of the tour, where energy security and maritime cooperation are expected to be the top priorities.

Key Takeaway: This visit re-establishes India as a primary partner for one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, filling a decade-long gap in high-level leadership engagement.