Addis Ababa, Dec 18 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa, emphasizing India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and investment in several sectors, including digital public infrastructure, mining, clean energy, food security, and agriculture.
They reviewed progress in trade, innovation, education, and capacity building, highlighting that Indian companies have invested over $5 billion in Ethiopia, creating more than 75,000 local jobs.
In 2024, 11 Indian companies invested in various sectors such as agriculture, automobiles, iron and steel, and ICT, with significant involvement in the textile and pharmaceutical industries. India and Ethiopia’s total trade reached $550.19 million in FY 2024–25, characterized by a strong export-oriented relationship.
The countries signed eight MoUs to elevate their relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership’, covering areas such as customs cooperation, establishing a data center for the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training, and promoting ICCR scholarships and AI courses for Ethiopians.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to addressing Global South concerns and collaborating in international forums, calling for increased cooperation on climate change, renewable energy, and disaster risk reduction. Modi expressed optimism for working with Ethiopia as BRICS partners and for the future India-Africa Forum Summit.
