India’s expanding engagement with the Global South found a new anchor in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first-ever visit to Ethiopia. Coming after India’s G20 leadership in Delhi, the visit signals New Delhi’s intent to translate normative leadership into durable partnerships with key African countries. The elevation of India–Ethiopia ties to a strategic partnership marks a shift from symbolic goodwill to structured, long-term cooperation.
Why the Ethiopia Visit Matters Now
Ethiopia is Africa’s second-most populous country, the seat of the African Union, and a key political and diplomatic gateway to the continent. For India, strengthening ties with Ethiopia aligns with its broader Global South strategy that emphasises development cooperation, strategic autonomy, and reform of global governance. The visit also reinforces India’s Africa policy at a time when geopolitical competition on the continent is intensifying.
From Traditional Friendship to Strategic Partnership
The central outcome of the visit was the formal upgradation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, supported by multiple agreements. Cooperation areas now span:
- Trade, investment, and economic collaboration
- Technology and digital capacity building
- Defence cooperation and security dialogue
- Health, pharmaceuticals, and training
- Multilateral coordination on global platforms
This breadth reflects an effort to institutionalise ties rather than rely on episodic diplomatic exchanges.
Leadership Chemistry and Diplomatic Signalling
The visible warmth between Prime Minister Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali underscored the political momentum behind the partnership. The conferment of Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour on Modi and the personal reception accorded to him were not merely ceremonial; they conveyed Ethiopia’s recognition of India as a trusted and long-term partner. Such symbolism often helps accelerate bureaucratic and policy follow-through.
Education, Soft Power, and People-to-People Links
A notable announcement during the visit was India’s decision to double scholarships for Ethiopian students. Education and training have historically been pillars of India’s soft power in Africa. By expanding these avenues, India invests in future Ethiopian leaders and professionals who retain long-standing linkages with India, thereby creating influence that extends beyond political cycles.
Shared Worldview of the Global South
Both sides framed the relationship within a shared identity as democratic developing countries and partners of the Global South. This framing connects bilateral cooperation to larger themes such as:
- Development-led growth over extractive engagement
- Strategic autonomy in foreign policy choices
- Reform of international institutions to reflect contemporary realities
The alignment strengthens India’s claim of being a credible voice for developing countries, not just in rhetoric but in practice.
Security Cooperation and Counter-Terrorism
India and Ethiopia also found common ground on counter-terrorism. Ethiopia’s support following the Pahalgam terror attack highlighted shared concerns over extremism and instability. This opens space for intelligence sharing, defence training, and coordinated positions in multilateral forums dealing with security threats.
Linkages with India’s Wider West Asia–Africa Outreach
The Ethiopia leg followed a productive visit to Jordan, where multiple MoUs were signed. Together, these engagements illustrate India’s effort to build a contiguous arc of partnerships across West Asia and Africa. Economic cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and strategic interests are being woven into a more cohesive foreign policy architecture aimed at the Global South.
What to Note for Prelims?
- Ethiopia hosts the headquarters of the African Union.
- India–Ethiopia relations upgraded to a strategic partnership.
- Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour conferred on the Indian Prime Minister.
- India doubled scholarships for Ethiopian students.
What to Note for Mains?
- India’s Africa policy and the role of Ethiopia as a political gateway.
- Strategic partnerships as instruments of Global South leadership.
- Use of education and capacity building as tools of soft power.
- Convergence on counter-terrorism and global governance reforms.
