Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali met in New Delhi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit to strengthen their strategic partnership. The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in defense procurement, military training, critical minerals exploration, clean energy, and Global South multilateral diplomacy.
NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Ethiopian counterpart, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, held bilateral talks in New Delhi on Saturday to strengthen the India-Ethiopia strategic partnership across critical sectors, including defence, capacity building, investment linkages, critical minerals, and clean energy. The high-level meeting took place at Hyderabad House on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit hosted under India’s chairship. This diplomatic engagement marks Abiy Ahmed’s first official visit to India and represents a pivotal move by both governments to fortify trade resilience, expand South-South economic cooperation, and amplify the voice of the Global South within multilateral institutions.
Expanding Defence Cooperation and Security Alignment
A central pillar of the discussions between the two leaders focused on defense and security cooperation. Both governments reviewed ongoing initiatives in military capacity building, joint personnel training, and defense equipment procurement.
India has actively positioned its domestic defense manufacturing sector to supply friendly nations in the Global South with reliable hardware and technological support. Ethiopia, which maintains a substantial role in regional peacekeeping across the Horn of Africa, expressed strong interest in procuring Indian-manufactured defense systems and expanding institutional training for its armed forces. The discussions build on recent defense sector dialogues between the Indian Ministry of Defence and Ethiopian diplomatic officials regarding United Nations peacekeeping operations and defense industrial collaboration.
Critical Minerals, Mining, and Clean Energy Linkages
Economic discussions shifted heavily toward industrial inputs and renewable energy. Ethiopia officially invited Indian mining firms to explore commercial opportunities within its domestic natural resources sector, creating opportunities for Indian state-run and private enterprises looking to secure critical minerals essential for industrial manufacturing and green transition goals.
Discussions on clean energy centered on expanding renewable infrastructure and climate-resilient technologies. Both leaders assessed avenues to deploy Indian engineering expertise in solar and green power installations in East Africa. By facilitating strategic investments in mining and critical raw materials, both nations aim to build resilient, diversified supply chains that bypass geopolitical vulnerabilities.
Trade, Investment, and Digital Public Infrastructure
Economic cooperation between the two countries continues to expand beyond traditional bilateral trade. India ranks among the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Ethiopia, with over 600 Indian enterprises operating in manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure.
During the talks, the leaders reviewed progress in adopting digital solutions, including India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model. Implementing interoperable public platforms for digital payments and identity management provides Ethiopia with scalable administrative tools to modernize its expanding economy, which has recorded significant gross domestic product growth over recent quarters. The leaders also evaluated frameworks to facilitate local currency settlements and bilateral investment protections for businesses.
Multilateral Coordination and the BRICS Framework
The dialogue marked an important multilateral milestone, as Ethiopia participated in the summit as a full BRICS member following its official induction in January 2024. Modi expressed appreciation for Addis Ababa's proactive participation in the grouping, noting that its presence reinforces developing nations' shared interests on the global stage.
The bilateral meeting in New Delhi builds on Modi’s state visit to Addis Ababa in December 2025, where the relationship was formally elevated to a strategic partnership. Both administrations reiterated their mutual commitment to reforming international financial architectures and coordinating stances within the United Nations and the G20.
Official Sources
According to an official communique from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral ties. Further operational directives on industrial and economic cooperation are guided by frameworks from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and defense industrial dialogue via the Ministry of Defence. International engagement aligns with proceedings under the 18th BRICS Summit Secretariat.
Official Statements
"India and Ethiopia are taking an old friendship into new frontiers! Delighted to welcome PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali on his first visit to India," Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated following the discussions. "Today's talks covered defence, capacity building, investment linkages, critical minerals, clean energy, and healthcare. Together, we will also strengthen India-Africa ties and amplify the voice of the Global South".
According to officials at the Ministry of External Affairs, "The two leaders held discussions aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Strategic Partnership, reviewing progress across key sectors including economic cooperation, defence, and security partnership".
Why It Matters
Deepening ties with Ethiopia gives Indian businesses strategic entry into East Africa's manufacturing and mining corridors while safeguarding supply lines for critical minerals. For Ethiopia, stronger partnership with New Delhi delivers access to defense technology, institutional training, and capital investments without prescriptive conditions. Geopolitically, the alignment bolsters Global South representation inside BRICS, ensuring developing economies have greater leverage in global trade, energy security, and international governance reforms.
Key Facts at a Glance
Diplomatic Forum: Bilateral meeting held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Core Focus Areas: Defense procurement, joint military training, critical mineral extraction, clean energy, and healthcare linkages.
Resource Access: Ethiopia invited Indian mining companies to explore domestic mineral reserves, securing key supply chains.
Multilateral Status: First formal bilateral meeting in India since Ethiopia joined BRICS as a full member and elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was this meeting between PM Modi and the Ethiopian Prime Minister significant?
The talks marked Abiy Ahmed's first visit to India and the continuation of high-level engagements following the upgrade of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, expanding practical cooperation into defense procurement and critical minerals exploration.
What defense sectors were discussed during the New Delhi meeting?
The leaders reviewed military training exchanges, peacekeeping operational support, and opportunities for Ethiopian armed forces to procure equipment from Indian defense manufacturers.
How does this partnership impact trade and industrial investment?
Ethiopia opened avenues for Indian mining enterprises to explore its natural resources, while India offered technological partnerships in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and clean energy generation.
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