PM Modi Begins Historic Visit to Ethiopia to Strengthen India-Africa Ties

Addis Ababa, Dec 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday commenced the second leg of his three-nation tour with a historic two-day State Visit to Ethiopia, marking his first-ever visit to the African nation. On arrival from Jordan, PM Modi was warmly welcomed at the airport by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali in a special gesture of friendship.

The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, underscores the growing strategic importance of India–Ethiopia relations. During his stay, PM Modi will hold extensive discussions with Abiy Ahmed covering political engagement, development cooperation, trade, investment, and people-to-people relations. Both leaders, as partners in the Global South, are expected to reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening friendship and expanding cooperation for mutual benefit.

PM Modi will also engage with members of the Indian diaspora in Ethiopia and address a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament. This is the first visit to Ethiopia by an Indian Prime Minister since 2011. In preparation for his arrival, Addis Ababa has been decorated with welcome hoardings, posters, and Indian flags, highlighting the significance of the visit.

Ethiopia is considered a key partner for India in Africa and the Global South. The visit is expected to further elevate bilateral engagement, particularly in areas of trade, development, and cultural cooperation. In a departure statement on Monday, PM Modi emphasized Addis Ababa’s role as the headquarters of the African Union, noting its admission as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s 2023 G20 Presidency.

“I eagerly look forward to sharing my thoughts on India’s journey as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and the value that the India–Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South,” PM Modi said, highlighting the focus on South-South cooperation.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has actively participated in previous editions of the Voice of Global South summit, and the visit reflects India’s continued commitment to deepening partnerships with Africa. The discussions are expected to cover ways to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and development cooperation, along with initiatives to strengthen people-to-people ties.

PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia after concluding a two-day visit to Jordan. In Jordan, he met King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II, addressed the India-Jordan Business Forum, and visited the Jordan Museum. Upon his departure from Amman on Monday, PM Modi was seen off by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan at the airport.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday afternoon, PM Modi described his visit to Jordan as “immensely productive.” He thanked King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan for their friendship and noted that discussions had strengthened the India-Jordan partnership in key areas including renewable energy, water management, digital transformation, cultural exchanges, and heritage cooperation. PM Modi added that the outcomes achieved in Jordan would open new avenues for progress and prosperity for citizens of both nations.

The Ethiopian visit is expected to further cement India’s engagement with Africa and highlight its growing role in global diplomacy. PM Modi’s meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, members of the Indian diaspora, and the Ethiopian Parliament aim to enhance cooperation on development projects, trade, and cultural ties, reflecting India’s broader vision for South-South collaboration and partnership with African nations.