Anchor Of Global South: India And Ethiopia Elevate Ties To ‘Strategic Partnership’ During PM Modi's Visit

On December 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Addis Ababa—the first by an Indian PM in 15 years—marked a watershed moment in Indo-African relations. During high-level delegation talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, the two leaders formally elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership”. This elevation signals a transition from a traditional development-focused bond to a robust, multi-dimensional alliance centred on security, technology, and economic resilience.

The timing of this upgrade is highly significant. Ethiopia, as the host of the African Union (AU) headquarters and a newly minted member of BRICS, serves as a critical diplomatic hub for the continent. Prime Minister Modi’s visit reinforces

India’s role as a “first responder” for the Global South, emphasising a partnership based on equality and shared democratic values rather than a donor-client dynamic. By anchoring ties with Ethiopia, India secures a strategic gateway to the Horn of Africa, an area increasingly vital for maritime security and trade in the Red Sea corridor.

A Modern Blueprint for Cooperation

The strategic partnership is underpinned by a forward-looking agenda. The two nations have committed to a “modern partnership” that prioritises Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), health security, and defence. Prime Minister Modi specifically highlighted India’s willingness to share its expertise in large-scale administrative transformation—drawing from the success of “Digital India”—to support Ethiopia’s ambitious economic reforms.

Beyond government-to-government ties, the partnership leans heavily on capacity building. Prime Minister Modi announced a doubling of the ICCR scholarship quota, acknowledging the deep-rooted tradition of Indian teachers shaping Ethiopia’s educational system. This “people-to-people” bridge is further strengthened by new commitments in healthcare, specifically targeting maternal and neonatal care at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, a symbol of India’s long-standing humanitarian footprint in Addis Ababa.

Official List of Outcomes (December 16-17, 2025)

The visit culminated in the signing of several landmark agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that provide the legal and operational framework for this new strategic era:

1. Strategic Partnership: Formal elevation of bilateral ties to a ‘Strategic Partnership’.
2. Customs Cooperation: Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters to streamline trade.
3. Digital Infrastructure: MoU for establishing a state-of-the-art Data Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.
4. Peacekeeping: Implementing Arrangement for cooperation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations Training, building on both nations’ roles as top troop contributors.
5. Financial Resilience: Signing of an MoU on Debt Restructuring for Ethiopia under the G20 Common Framework, showcasing India’s support during Ethiopia’s economic recovery.
6. Educational Expansion: Doubling of scholarships for Ethiopian scholars under the ICCR scholarship programme.
7. AI & Tech Skilling: Introduction of specialised short-term courses in Artificial Intelligence under the ITEC programme for Ethiopian students and professionals.
8. Healthcare Augmentation: Commitment to boost capacity at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Addis Ababa, focusing on maternal and neonatal healthcare.