India has reiterated its commitment to expanding multifaceted cooperation with Ethiopia, positioning the East African nation as a pivotal partner in its South-South diplomacy and continental outreach. The renewed pledge comes amid a period of dynamic change in both countries’ global roles and a shared vision for inclusive development and prosperity.
During a high-level forum hosted by the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa, India’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Anil Kumar Rai, underscored the enduring strength of Indo-Ethiopian relations. “India and Ethiopia enjoy a time-tested relationship built on mutual respect and understanding,” Ambassador Rai stated, highlighting the historical ties and shared interests that have defined the partnership for decades.
Ambassador Rai outlined India’s intention to elevate bilateral relations across economic, cultural, and strategic domains. “We are determined to strengthen existing partnerships, support Ethiopia’s development priorities, and cultivate joint prosperity through deeper engagement,” he said, noting Ethiopia’s growing influence on the African continent both economically and diplomatically.
A key example of this evolving partnership is India’s early and vocal support for Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS, the influential bloc of emerging economies. “We were among the first countries to support Ethiopia’s bid to join BRICS, and today Ethiopia is a member. This is not only a diplomatic milestone but also a strategic move to boost Ethiopia’s trade diplomacy with emerging global powers,” Rai noted.
On the economic front, India stands as Ethiopia’s second-largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment. Bilateral trade reached nearly $2.8 billion in 2022, with over 600 Indian companies operating in Ethiopia across sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and technology. Ambassador Rai praised Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms and urban infrastructure drive, describing them as key enablers for attracting further investment: “The government’s approach to urban development-creating modern infrastructure-offers rapid returns by monetizing the value of upgraded city land,” he observed, pointing to manufacturing as a key growth sector.
The ambassador also announced the recent finalization of a defense cooperation agreement between India and Ethiopia, marking a new era in bilateral security collaboration. Additional agreements are being negotiated in education, technology, and capacity building, reflecting the broadening scope of the partnership.
India’s outreach to Ethiopia is part of a larger commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive development across Africa. The engagement aligns with India’s evolving role in multilateral forums and its emphasis on mutual growth through South-South cooperation, as seen in joint initiatives within the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Education and human capital development remain central to the relationship. Ambassador Rai emphasized the importance of leveraging Ethiopia’s young population and robust infrastructure, with India sharing its experience in skills development and digital public infrastructure. The two countries recently signed a memorandum of understanding on digital public infrastructure, and ongoing educational exchanges continue to nurture people-to-people ties.
Cultural links are also flourishing. The reopening of the Ethiopian Cultural Center in India later this year and recent participation by Ethiopian artists in major Indian festivals highlight the vibrancy of cultural exchange.
