Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia and India have reaffirmed their growing strategic partnership following high-level talks between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Addis Ababa. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today welcomed PM Modi at the National Palace during an official welcoming ceremony, followed by a tour of the Palace Museum. The visit underscored the strong and longstanding ties between the two nations. The two leaders held a productive tête-à-tête meeting, which was followed by a bilateral session involving their respective delegations. Discussions focused on exploring renewed avenues of cooperation that reflect the expanding partnership and shared priorities of Ethiopia and India. In a social media post, Prime Minister Abiy noted: “We held a productive tête-à-tête meeting, followed by a bilateral session with our respective delegations, exploring renewed avenues of cooperation that reflect the growing partnership and shared priorities between Ethiopia and India.” During the visit, the two Prime Ministers also presided over the exchange of key bilateral agreements. These included an Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Data Centre within Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an MoU on United Nations Peacekeeping Cooperation, reinforcing the two countries’ joint commitment to international peace and security. “India has been a longstanding partner of Ethiopia, and today’s meetings underscore our shared commitment to expanding collaboration across multiple sectors for the mutual benefit of our nations,” Prime Minister Abiy stated. The discussions highlighted both countries’ intent to further strengthen cooperation across diplomacy, technology, trade, and global peace initiatives, marking a new chapter in Ethiopia–India relations.

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Earlier today, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India at the National Palace during an official welcoming ceremony, followed by a tour of the Palace Museum. This was followed by a tête-à-tête meeting between the two Prime Ministers, and subsequently a bilateral meeting with their respective delegations. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, digitization, and tourism, highlighting the shared priorities of both nations, according to Office of the Prime Minister. Recall that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, earlier this afternoon for an official visit. Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at Bole International Airport. Prime Minister Abiy said PM Modi’s presence underscores the growing ties between the two countries and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations.

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.

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for an official visit. Upon his arrival earlier this afternoon, Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at Bole International Airport. Prime Minister Abiy said PM Modi’s presence underscores the growing ties between the two countries and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations. ​​​​​​“His presence underscores the growing ties between our two countries, and I look forward to meaningful engagements that will further deepen our cooperation across shared priorities,” he said in a social media post.

  Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, received Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs earlier today. During the meeting, Ambassador Hadera highlighted the longstanding historical ties between Ethiopia and India and noted the continued strengthening of bilateral relations in recent years. He said India is Ethiopia’s second-largest trading partner and remarked that the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes at a critical time, as Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms are creating a more conducive environment for foreign investment. He also underscored Ethiopia–India cooperation in multilateral structures, including the United Nations and BRICS, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On his part, Secretary Sudhakar Dalela emphasized the positive trajectory of relations between the two countries and described the Prime Minister’s visit as forward-looking. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in areas including education, transport, agriculture, health, science and technology, artificial intelligence, and other sectors of mutual interest.

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (ENA) —Political science and international relations experts at Samara University assert that no international legal framework prevents Ethiopia from regaining the maritime access it was stripped of through discriminatory historical processes. The Red Sea issue remains inextricably linked to Ethiopia’s historical legacy, its ancient civilization, the very architecture of its statehood, its national security, and its long-term economic aspirations. Given its geographical, historical, economic backgrounds, the country has initiated discussions to secure sea outlet based on the principle of mutual benefits and partnership that provide amicable opportunities to strengthen shared development. Consequently, Ethiopia continues to pursue persistent diplomatic and legal avenues to address the sovereign right of sea access —a quest that has spanned generations. In an exclusive engagement with ENA, scholars from Samara University’s Department of Political Science and International Relations stressed that Ethiopia’s claim to sea access constitutes a legitimate demand anchored in law, moral reasoning, and diplomacy. Muktar Toyib, Head of the Department, argues that Ethiopia’s separation from the Red Sea, formerly a legal component of its sovereign territory—occurred through mechanisms lacking international legitimacy. For him, there is no global statute prohibiting Ethiopia from reclaiming a access to seaport lost through historical bias. Muktar further characterized the government’s current agenda and the collective demand of the citizenry for maritime access as both "accurate and appropriate." He pointed out a critical legal vacuum: at the time Ethiopia lost its coastline, there was no signed treaty or formal covenant authorizing such a total deprivation of sea access. Under international law, he noted, such a lack of transparency and formal agreement renders the current status quo illegitimate. "When Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia, it should not have unilaterally incorporated the entirety of the Red Sea maritime body that previously belonged to the Ethiopian state," Muktar stated. He added that this monopoly contradicts the fundamental principle of "equitable utilization" enshrined in international water and maritime laws. Echoing these sentiments, fellow lecturer Kassahun Abera maintained that Ethiopia’s quest for a sea outlet is not a sudden provocation but a response to an ongoing injustice. Because the nation was deprived of its coastline in an inequitable manner, its contemporary pursuit is a restorative measure. Kassahun underscored that since Ethiopia’s claim is grounded in legal reality, the nation must remain steadfast in its commitment to resolving the matter through formal diplomatic channels and international legal frameworks.

Addis Ababa, December 13, 2025 (ENA) —A nationwide series of public dialogues is uniting citizens and senior government officials across Ethiopia’s major cities to assess reform accomplishments, tackle ongoing challenges, and chart the country’s future development priorities. Held under the theme “The Virtues of Guba: Achievements of the Medemer State,” the forums are being conducted in major cities across the country, including Semera, Assosa, Jigjiga, Debre Birhan, Bonga, and Mizan Aman. Participants include religious leaders, elders, youth, women, business leaders, investors, professionals, and academics, ensuring broad and inclusive representation. According to organizers, the dialogues aim to consolidate gains achieved through close cooperation between the government and the public, while also gathering direct citizen input on peacebuilding, service delivery, and key national initiatives. The discussions are guided by the Medemer State philosophy, which emphasizes unity, collective responsibility, and homegrown solutions to national challenges. In Semera, residents cited improved political participation, fairer access to development benefits, and expanded irrigation-based agriculture. ““The development activities carried out in Afar are not only benefiting the region but the entire country. Equality and fairness are now being demonstrated in practice,” said forum participant Mohammed Abdulqadir. Prosperity Party Executive Committee Member and Central Ethiopia Region Chief Administrator Endashaw Tassew underscored the need for sustained cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, industry, tourism, mining, and digital development. Minister of Justice Hanna Araya Selassie reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating illegal human trafficking and urged the youth to uphold discipline for the betterment of the country’s future. In Assosa, residents expressed appreciation for progress in peace and development. From the Somali Region, Women and Social Affairs Bureau Head Halima Hassan announced the launch of expanded weekend markets aimed at reducing living costs for residents. Officials and forum participants alike commended gains in peace, urban development, agriculture, and tourism, while stressing the need to strengthen basic services. They also noted that the ongoing dialogue series will continue in the coming weeks to ensure public feedback is translated into concrete action, reinforcing a shared national vision rooted in unity and collective progress.

Addis Ababa, December 13, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopia is carrying its continued inspiring endeavors that strengthen economic cooperation and regional integration in the Horn of Africa, according to veteran experts. Approached by ENA, experts in the field noted that Ethiopia is strengthening its commitment in carrying out activities to ensure peace, development and regional integration in the Horn of Africa. International Water Law researcher Kebede Gerba noted that Ethiopia’s development of its natural resources is generating benefits that extend beyond its borders. He emphasized that large-scale infrastructure projects play a crucial role in promoting economic integration and shared growth across the region. Ethiopia has steadily positioned itself as a catalyst for regional integration by investing heavily in transformative infrastructure, particularly in the energy and transport sectors. Major hydropower projects and regional power-interconnection lines have enabled the country to export electricity to neighboring states, fostering economic interdependence and mutual development. Similarly, the expansion of key road corridors linking Ethiopia with Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan, and Somalia has strengthened trade flows, reduced transportation costs, and improved access to ports and regional markets. These developments, Kebede added, demonstrate Ethiopia’s continued leadership in connecting neighboring countries through energy and infrastructure. On his part, Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee Deputy Chairman at the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Fethi Mahdi, said Ethiopia’s historic role in supporting Africa’s liberation from colonialism remains unforgettable. He further affirmed that Ethiopia’s ongoing commitments and concrete measures to promote peace and security in the region have gained global recognition. Tilahun Tefera, a senior researcher at the Policy Studies Institute, highlighted that Ethiopia is working closely with neighboring countries in a spirit of friendship to achieve mutual development and sustainable growth. He stressed that these efforts prioritize comprehensive cooperation, common development, and the establishment of lasting peace and security in the Horn of Africa. According to the experts, Ethiopia has further strengthened its regional role by deepening peaceful relations with its neighbors to advance shared prosperity. Emphasizing that the peoples of the region share common identities and values, they underscored the importance of utilizing regional resources in a fair, equitable, and mutually beneficial manner.