Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day State visit to Ethiopia comes at a moment when India is reshaping its role in the Global South region. More than a diplomatic stop, the visit signals New Delhi’s intention to strengthen its African partnerships ahead of taking over the BRICS chairmanship in January 2026.
Invited by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, this is Modi’s first official visit to Ethiopia and his third visit to Africa this year. Following Jordan and preceding Oman, Ethiopia plays a crucial role in India’s West Asia–Africa outreach. Officials have described the visit as strategically important, especially as Africa gains greater weight in global decision-making platforms.
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Why Ethiopia matters now
India and Ethiopia share a long-standing relationship rooted in trade, education and people-to-people ties. Yet, the timing of this visit makes it particularly significant because no Indian Prime Minister has visited Ethiopia in the last 15 years, and the country’s recent entry into BRICS has added fresh momentum to the partnership.
India’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai, highlighted the importance of the visit and its broader agenda.
Rai told ANI, “Both countries are members of BRICS. And we are very important partners when it comes to cooperating on international issues, such as UN reforms and regional issues, and also there are agendas that we discuss at the regional level, particularly at the level of BRICS. India is going to be the chair of BRICS in 2026, with Ethiopia being an important member. So, all those issues will come up during the discussions."
The Ministry of External Affairs echoed the sentiment, calling the visit a reaffirmation of shared priorities.
“As partners in the Global South, the visit will be a reiteration of the shared commitment of the two nations to advance close ties of friendship and bilateral cooperation,” the MEA said.
From BRICS to grassroots cooperation
Ethiopia became a full BRICS member in January 2024, alongside Egypt, Iran and the UAE. India played a supportive role in Ethiopia’s inclusion, consistent with its push for stronger African representation in global forums. With New Delhi set to chair BRICS next year, discussions are expected to focus on coordination among members and shared positions on issues like UN reforms.
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Beyond multilateral politics, the visit also brings attention to strong economic ties. India is Ethiopia’s second largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 571.52 million dollars in 2023–24. Indian companies have invested over 5 billion dollars across sectors such as agriculture, textiles, manufacturing and engineering.
India has also extended more than 1 billion dollars in concessional credit for projects in rural electrification, railways and the sugar industry. Sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, digital infrastructure and education are likely to feature prominently in talks.
“All these sectors, education, health, defence, agriculture, and digital technology are on our agenda for discussion,” Rai said.
