Yordanos D. Addis Ababa, December 14, 2025 (ENA) —Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s December 16–17, 2025 visit to Ethiopia received extensive coverage in Indian, African, and international media, with reports highlighting a central theme: the visit represented both a diplomatic milestone and a strategic signal amid shifting power dynamics in Africa and the broader Global South. As the visit concluded, global media narratives revealed clear differences in emphasis. Indian outlets foregrounded warmth, symbolism and cultural affinity, while international news agencies framed the trip within broader geopolitical competition and India’s expanding strategic footprint on the African continent. African media, meanwhile, highlighted Ethiopia’s role as a continental gateway and diplomatic anchor. Framing Ethiopia as a Strategic Diplomatic Hub Many African outlets emphasized Ethiopia’s importance not just as a host but as a diplomatic center in Africa. Addis Ababa, as the seat of the African Union, gives Ethiopia a unique continental leadership position — a role African media highlighted as central to the success and symbolism of the visit. Modi’s visit was thus framed not simply as bilateral diplomacy but as affirming Ethiopia’s relevance in broader Africa Global South relations. Highlighting Ethiopia’s Global South Leadership African press coverage underscored the visit as an opportunity for South–South cooperation and collective global voice— ideas that resonate strongly in many African media narratives. Reports noted how both Ethiopian and Indian leaders pledged to amplify Africa’s role in global decision making, positioning Ethiopia as a partner helping bridge African and Indian interests on issues like development, technology, and peacekeeping. Warm Reception as Symbol of Ethiopia’s Diplomatic Weight Positive reporting often showcased the ceremonial and symbolic aspects of Ethiopia’s hospitality — such as the warm welcome by Ethiopian leadership, cultural performances, and Ethiopia’s conferment of its highest civilian honor on PM Modi. These stories conveyed Ethiopia’s agency and diplomatic grace in hosting a major global leader, reinforcing its image as an influential African capital. Emphasis on Ethiopia’s Economic and Strategic Partnerships Some media outlets, particularly African media highlighted Ethiopia’s economic dynamism and potential as a partner state, noting that India is among the country’s growing sources of investment and cooperation. Coverage pointed to agreements on data infrastructure, peacekeeping training, and economic collaboration — framing Ethiopia as proactive and strategic in shaping partnerships beyond traditional Western engagement models. Broad African Interest and Positive Tone Pan African outlets like Africanews reported the visit within the context of global South solidarity, with narratives focusing on how India’s visit was an occasion for collective diplomatic messaging rather than just a bilateral event. They often highlighted shared historical ties and mutual respect, signaling that Ethiopia’s role was appreciated both regionally and continentally. Indian Media: Ceremony, Pride and Strategic Friendship Indian media outlets including The Times of India, NDTV and ANI offered extensive and celebratory coverage. Particular prominence was given to Prime Minister Modi’s address to the Ethiopian Parliament and the conferral of Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour. The Times of India described the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations, quoting Modi as saying he “felt at home in Ethiopia” and referring to “shared civilisational links that go back centuries.” The paper reported that the award recognised “his contribution to strengthening India–Ethiopia friendship” and framed the elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership as a major diplomatic success. Symbolic gestures featured prominently. The same outlet highlighted Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally driving Modi to the airport, calling it a “royal farewell that reflected extraordinary personal warmth.” Cultural moments were also underscored, including a state banquet performance of Vande Mataram, which Modi described as “a moving expression of friendship between the two nations.” International Media: Strategy, Competition and the Global South International news agencies adopted a more restrained and analytical tone. Reuters characterised the visit as “geopolitical,” reporting that Modi’s trip and his address to parliament “signalled India’s expanding push into Africa.” The agency highlighted India’s five-billion-dollar investment footprint on the continent and linked the visit to “growing competition among global powers for influence across Africa,” especially in light of Ethiopia’s BRICS membership. Associated Press focused on outcomes rather than ceremony, noting agreements on debt treatment under the G20 Common Framework, technology cooperation and security engagement. AP quoted Modi as saying the partnership would be guided by “inclusive development and respect for sovereignty,” adding that India is seeking to position itself as “a development partner rather than a dominant power.” Al Jazeera placed the visit within India’s broader ambition to consolidate leadership in the Global South. Its analysis extended beyond bilateral ties, pointing to implications for the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, and emphasising diplomacy, development cooperation and regional positioning. BBC and France 24 drew attention that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally received Modi. Both described the gesture as a sign of diplomatic “closeness,” while situating the visit within wider global geopolitical trends. Analysts cited by these outlets suggested future coverage would examine how India’s outreach intersects in Ethiopia and the region. Continental Media: Ethiopia as Africa’s Diplomatic Anchor African media largely framed the visit as a significant step in Africa–India relations. Africa News and The East African stressed Addis Ababa’s position as the headquarters of the African Union, reporting that India intends to expand cooperation with Africa in security, health and technology. South Africa’s SABC and leading Nigerian outlets interpreted the visit as part of India’s broader Africa strategy, describing Ethiopia as an “anchor” country through which New Delhi seeks to deepen its continental engagement and project a partnership model for other African states. Shared Themes across Coverage Despite differing editorial lenses, several themes cut across reporting. Media repeatedly noted the historic nature of the visit, pointing out that Modi is the first Indian prime minister to travel to Ethiopia in fourteen years. Coverage emphasised the elevation of relations from long standing friendship to a strategic partnership, and highlighted shared commitments to amplifying the voice of the Global South in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and BRICS. Overall, global and continental media coverage has positioned Ethiopia as a key interlocutor between Africa and emerging global partners, reinforcing perceptions of its strategic importance amid a shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly in the context of South–South cooperation and multipolar engagement. The reporting was markedly positive: for Indian audiences, the visit was framed as a moment of national pride and diplomatic affirmation, while international readers saw it as part of a broader narrative on South–South collaboration, strategic competition, and Ethiopia’s rising geopolitical prominence as both the African Union host and a BRICS member. In sum, global media treatment of Modi’s visit to Ethiopia underscores the layered nature of contemporary diplomacy, blending strategy and power politics, and further consolidates Ethiopia’s image as an increasingly central actor in emerging global alignments.

Yordanos D. The afternoon of December 16, 2025, was crisp and clear over Addis Ababa. As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft touched down at Bole International Airport, the moment carried the weight of contemporary urgency mixed with ancient familiarity. This wasn't just another diplomatic visit it was a meeting between two of the Global South's most transformative leaders, coming together at a pivotal moment in world history. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stood waiting at the airport, his trademark warm smile reflecting a leader fully aware of the historic weight of the moment. When the two leaders embraced, the gesture spoke louder than words. This was a meeting of kindred reformers—men who had fundamentally reshaped governance in their respective nations. Prime Minister Modi has transformed India’s bureaucracy through digitalization, extending banking access to millions via technology. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has spearheaded reforms that opened one of Africa’s most closed economies, setting Ethiopia on an ambitious path to become the continent’s first middle-income country. Both leaders are not only accomplished authors and poets but also visionary practitioners of transformation. Modi’s Digital India initiative has built a digital infrastructure serving over a billion people, while Abiy’s “Medemer State” philosophy of synergy has united a nation and unlocked opportunities that had remained closed for decades. The two visionary leaders are steering their nations at a time when the historic relationship between Ethiopia and India, spanning over two millennia—is transforming into a dynamic modern partnership fueled by growing trade and investment. While their shared cultural ties date back to the Aksumite Kingdom, when Indian merchants traded textiles, spices, and other goods through the Port of Adulis, the two countries formalized their diplomatic relations 70 years ago, in 1950. In that regard, the chemistry between the two leaders was evident from the start. As they discussed India’s upcoming BRICS chairmanship in 2026, with Ethiopia as the bloc’s newest member, both could clearly envision the possibilities for collaboration and shared progress. With over $6.5 billion in Indian investment already generating 17,000 jobs in Ethiopia, they spoke about scaling this success. Ethiopian IT graduates were already working for Indian tech companies remotely, while Indian pharmaceutical companies were setting up manufacturing units in Ethiopian industrial parks. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Ethiopia has now emerged as a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, recasting a historically warm partnership into a broader political, economic, and security alignment shaped by shared strategic priorities. This is his first official trip in more than a decade and comes as both countries reposition themselves within the Global South and the expanded BRICS framework. Diplomats describe the engagement as timely, pointing to converging interests in strategic autonomy, digital governance, and South-South cooperation. At the core of the visit are talks between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, expected to focus on trade expansion, investment flows, technology transfer and people-to-people exchanges. Officials say discussions will also cover manufacturing partnerships, digital public infrastructure, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and skills development, sectors where Indian firms already maintain a visible footprint in Ethiopia. This visit builds on a steady pace of leader-level engagement since Prime Minister Abiy took office. His first official visit to India from October 27 to 29, 2018, marked a definitive reset in ties. Following talks in New Delhi, PM Abiy hailed India as “a reliable development partner with deep historical ties to Africa,” as both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, information technology, pharmaceuticals, and human capital development. Political Convergence Since then, Modi and Abiy have met repeatedly on the sidelines of major multilateral forums, using these encounters to shape a more strategic convergence. One such meeting followed Ethiopia’s formal accession to BRICS in January 2024. During the talks, Modi congratulated Abiy on the entry, while Abiy acknowledged India’s support and congratulated Modi on the Chandrayaan mission’s success, terming it "a moment of pride and inspiration for Ethiopia and the Global South.” The two leaders have met regularly during major international summits, most recently at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on November 22, 2025, where they discussed expanding cooperation in technology, skilling, and development. PM Abiy Ahmed has also participated in successive editions of the Voice of the Global South Summits chaired by India, reflecting Ethiopia’s growing profile in Global South diplomacy. Ethiopia featured prominently during India’s G20 presidency, which culminated in the African Union gaining permanent membership. At the time, Modi described Ethiopia as “a key partner for India in Africa,” highlighting cooperation in digital transformation and manufacturing. Discussions reviewed ongoing Indian-supported projects in Ethiopia and underscored a shared vision for more inclusive global governance. Pillars of Engagement Governance reform and institutional capacity building remain another cornerstone of engagement. From May 12 to 18, 2025, a high-level Ethiopian delegation comprising regional presidents, vice presidents, and senior ministers participated in a capacity building programme at India’s National Centre for Good Governance. Ethiopian officials reaffirmed their interest in policy reform, digital governance, and technology-driven public service delivery, drawing on India’s experience in large-scale administrative transformation. Multilateral Significance Modi’s Addis Ababa visit also carries wider multilateral significance. With both countries now members of BRICS and India set to chair the bloc in 2026, diplomats expect the talks to inject momentum into broader India-Africa engagement, including renewed discussions on convening the long-delayed fourth India-Africa Forum Summit. The visit highlights Ethiopia’s growing strategic relevance in India’s Africa policy and India’s expanding role in Ethiopia’s economic and security calculus. With investment, agriculture, mining, digital public infrastructure, and cybersecurity on the table, the talks will test whether long-standing political goodwill can be translated into sustained and long-term outcomes. Historical Roots India and Ethiopia are reinforcing a partnership that draws strength from more than 2,000 years of historical contact. Historical ties date back to the Axumite Empire in the first century AD, when trade flourished through the ancient Red Sea port of Adulis. Indian merchants exchanged silk and spices for Ethiopian gold and ivory, laying the foundation for enduring commercial and cultural links. Formal diplomatic relations were established soon after India’s independence. Legation-level ties were set up in 1948, and full diplomatic relations were established in 1950, with Sardar Sant Singh becoming India’s first Ambassador to Ethiopia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ethiopia on 16-17 December 2025 reflects India’s broader outreach towards the African region. After Mauritius, Ghana, Namibia and South Africa this is Modi’s fifth visit to the continent this year. Ethiopia is a rising economic power, India’s historical and long-standing development partner in the African continent, a member of the BRICS Forum and a diplomatic hub of the region. PM’s visit to Ethiopia will help in reinvigorating India’s partnership with Africa.