India and Ethiopia forge stronger ties with Strategic Partnership

India and Ethiopia have enhanced their ties to the level of strategic partnership, with an emphasis on increase cooperation. Currently, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, is addressing the Ethiopian Parliament to celebrate this occasion.

It is a historic moment in the diplomatic relation between India and Ethiopia as they have finally ramped up their relation to the level of strategic partnership. This has come at the heels of a very important speech given by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Ethiopian Parliament, in which he emphasized the values as well as historical ties between both nations. This is a move that has given prominence to the growing presence of India as well as given testimony to the emergence elevation in the importance of world map.

While delivering his address, the Prime Minister of India reiterated the commitment of India to developing the relationship between India and Ethiopia in the fields of trade, investment, technology, education and defense. The Prime Minister pointed out the long historical ties of friendship between the two countries, which are founded upon mutual respect and a commom vision of progress and prosperity for the people of two nations. Narendra Modi’s visit is an indication of the level of trust and collaboration that is being shared by both and will be the key in dealing with challenges of global concern like climate change, terrorism and sustainable development.

“We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic parnership. This step will provide new enengy, new momentum and new depth to our ties,” Prime Minister Modi said. He thanked PM Ali for his support in India’s terrorism.”The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance,” Mr. Modi said. He also added, “Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India”.

“Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member,” Prime Minister Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali. PM Ali also thanked him by saying, “These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people”. He also added, “Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in soverignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity. Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI. We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong found of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision”.

“Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come,” Mr.Modi said.

On Mr. Modi’s arrival at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the Indian community there. Artists did various dances, including one hit Hindi song ‘Aisa Desh Hai Mera’. He also address the Joint Session of Parliament, and he is expected to discuss the journey of India as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and its partnership with Ethiopia in helping the Global South.