What happened:
On December 17, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his Ethiopia visit as “truly memorable,” saying it gave fresh momentum to bilateral ties. He held talks with PM Abiy Ahmed Ali, addressed the Ethiopian Parliament, and India and Ethiopia elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. PM Modi was also conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the Nishan of Ethiopia.
Why it matters to India:
The visit strengthened India’s engagement with Africa and the Global South, formalised cooperation through a Strategic Partnership, and expanded collaboration in areas such as development, education, healthcare, digital capacity, peacekeeping and people-centric growth.