India and Ethiopia Move to Strengthen Strategic Partnership as Jaishankar Arrives in Addis Ababa

India and Ethiopia are seeking to deepen their strategic partnership as External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in Addis Ababa on October 9, 2026, for high-level discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. The visit marks the final leg of his three-nation African tour, which also included Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting India’s continued diplomatic engagement with the African continent.

Jaishankar was received at the airport by Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Berhanu Tsegaye. Expressing appreciation for the welcome, the External Affairs Minister said he looked forward to productive engagements that would advance the strategic partnership between the two countries.

India and Ethiopia Seek to Expand Bilateral Cooperation

The visit comes as India and Ethiopia work to translate their strategic partnership into broader cooperation across economic, developmental and diplomatic sectors. Ethiopia occupies an important position in the Horn of Africa and hosts the headquarters of the African Union, making Addis Ababa a significant centre for continental diplomacy.

Welcoming Jaishankar, Berhanu Tsegaye said the visit would include high-level discussions with considerable potential to strengthen the multifaceted relationship between the two countries. Both sides have expressed their commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation and identifying opportunities for closer engagement.

India and Ethiopia elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ethiopia in December 2025. Jaishankar’s latest visit provides an opportunity to carry forward that engagement and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Trade, Investment and Development Remain Important Areas of Cooperation

Economic cooperation forms an important component of India-Ethiopia relations. Indian businesses have established a presence in Ethiopia across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and other sectors, contributing to investment, employment and industrial development.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately US$550.19 million during 2024–25. Indian exports included pharmaceuticals, machinery, iron and steel products, chemicals and manufactured goods, while imports from Ethiopia included agricultural commodities, leather, spices and other products.

Both countries also maintain longstanding cooperation in education, professional training and capacity building. India’s development partnership programmes and technical training initiatives have supported human-resource development in Ethiopia, complementing the country’s broader economic development priorities.

Strategic Partnership Builds on December 2025 Diplomatic Milestone

The elevation of India-Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership in December 2025 established a broader framework for political dialogue and cooperation. The relationship encompasses trade, investment, defence cooperation, technology, education and institutional exchanges.

India and Ethiopia also signed an agreement on defence cooperation in 2025, reflecting their interest in developing closer institutional engagement in the security sector. The strategic partnership provides an opportunity to expand these connections alongside existing economic and developmental cooperation.

Both countries participate in BRICS and share an interest in strengthening the representation of developing economies in international institutions. Their engagement also contributes to India’s broader cooperation with African nations on development priorities and South-South partnerships.

Jaishankar to Chair Regional Heads of Mission Conference

During his stay in Addis Ababa, Jaishankar is also scheduled to chair a Regional Heads of Mission conference involving Indian ambassadors and senior diplomatic representatives posted across the region.

The conference will provide an opportunity to review India’s diplomatic priorities, assess regional developments and coordinate engagement with African partners. Such consultations support India’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relationships while maintaining a coordinated approach to regional economic and strategic developments.

Addis Ababa’s position as the headquarters of the African Union gives the meeting additional diplomatic significance. The city serves as an important centre for discussions involving African regional cooperation, economic integration and international partnerships.

India Expands Diplomatic Engagement with Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana

Jaishankar arrived in Ethiopia following his visit to Côte d’Ivoire, where he called on President Alassane Ouattara and held discussions with Vice Prime Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara.

The discussions covered opportunities to expand cooperation in defence, counterterrorism, trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare. These engagements highlighted the range of sectors in which India and Côte d’Ivoire are seeking closer bilateral cooperation.

The three-nation tour, which also included Ghana, reflects India’s continuing efforts to develop partnerships across different regions of Africa. By engaging with West African countries and Ethiopia during the same diplomatic mission, India is strengthening connections with partners that occupy important positions in their respective regional economies.

India-Ethiopia Strategic Partnership Enters a New Phase

Jaishankar’s visit to Addis Ababa builds on the diplomatic momentum generated by the elevation of India-Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership in December 2025. The discussions provide another opportunity to strengthen political dialogue and advance cooperation across economic, technological and developmental sectors.

With established commercial ties, longstanding educational exchanges and growing strategic engagement, India and Ethiopia have a broad foundation for expanding their partnership. The latest diplomatic visit reinforces their shared commitment to building a stronger relationship while deepening India’s engagement with Africa.

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References

1. DD News – India-Ethiopia Seek to Advance Strategic Partnership as Jaishankar Arrives in Addis Ababa, October 9, 2026
2. Ministry of External Affairs – India-Ethiopia Bilateral Relations, April 2026
3. Ministry of External Affairs – India-Ethiopia Bilateral Relations and Defence Cooperation
4. Ministry of External Affairs – Prime Minister’s Visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman, December 2025

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