ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday for a two-day tour, greeted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and members of the Indian community in Addis Ababa. Modi was welcomed with traditional Indian dance, flag-waving crowds, and a Hindi performance by Ethiopian artists.
The Indian leader is expected to address a joint session of Ethiopia’s parliament during his stay.
From New Delhi’s perspective, Ethiopia is a key geostrategic partner in Africa, hosting the African Union headquarters and gaining influence through its 2024 entry into the expanded BRICS group. India sees Ethiopia as a foothold in Africa amid growing competition with China.
Economically, Ethiopia is viewed as a recovering market where India already has a strong presence, with more than 175 Indian companies operating in textiles. While earlier agricultural investments slowed, Indian ambitions have shifted toward Ethiopia’s strategic mining sector, which holds untapped reserves of critical minerals and rare earths vital for renewable energy, batteries, and semiconductors.
India also hopes to expand cooperation in pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, and light industry, while leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for broader market access. Ethiopian officials expect Modi’s visit to yield new agreements that will deepen bilateral ties and boost investment.