In a landmark address to Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives in Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially elevated India-Ethiopia relations to a Strategic Partnership. This transition marks a new era of cooperation, bridging historical ties with futuristic technological collaboration.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!1. Honoring a Shared History
The Prime Minister’s speech was rooted in deep historical gratitude. He specifically noted:
- Military Bravery: Recalling the valor of Indian soldiers who fought alongside Ethiopians in 1941 to liberate the country.
- Educational Legacy: Acknowledging the generations of Indian teachers who moved to Ethiopia to help build its education system.
- Common Ancestry: Mentioning scientific links that trace human origins to Ethiopia, symbolizing a “shared beginning and a shared destiny.”
2. A Digital & Technological Leap
A major pillar of the new partnership is India’s support for the “Digital Ethiopia 2025” initiative. India will provide expertise in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), often referred to as the “India Stack,” to modernize Ethiopia’s economy.
Key commitments include:
- National Data Center: The construction of a state-of-the-art data center for the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry.
- AI Training: New initiatives to train Ethiopian professionals in Artificial Intelligence.
- Healthcare Tech: Collaboration in digital health services and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
3. Sustainability and Food Security
Recognizing the agricultural strengths of both nations, PM Modi emphasized cooperation in:
- The “Millet Connection”: Drawing parallels between India’s millets and Ethiopia’s staple grain, Teff, to promote climate-resilient farming.
- Natural Farming: Sharing Indian techniques for sustainable agriculture to ensure regional food security.
4. Global South Solidarity
The address underscored India’s commitment to the African Union (AU). PM Modi noted that the inclusion of the AU as a permanent member of the G20—championed by India—was a victory for the Global South. He reiterated that “Africa’s priority is India’s priority.”
Summary of Key Outcomes
| Field | Outcome |
| Diplomacy | Ties upgraded to Strategic Partnership level. |
| Infrastructure | India to build a new data center in Addis Ababa. |
| Security | Enhanced cooperation in UN Peacekeeping and maritime safety. |
| Trade | Agreement on Customs Cooperation and debt restructuring support. |
