Ethiopian parliamentarians affirmed that the growing strategic partnership with India represents a strong platform for advancing the shared interests of developing nations, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the continental influence both countries hold on the international stage.

These statements followed the official visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ethiopia and his historic address to the House of Peoples’ Representatives on Wednesday. In a move reflecting the depth of bilateral ties, Ethiopia and India officially announced the elevation of their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

This development is widely viewed as a milestone opening a new chapter of deeper cooperation and shared progress. Prime Minister Modi’s address garnered significant international attention, contributing to the expansion of “Global South diplomacy” beyond bilateral talks and establishing it as a model to be emulated.

In his speech, Modi affirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation across various sectors, based on the principle of mutual benefit and mutual respect.

In this context, the longstanding diplomatic relations and strong people-to-people ties between Ethiopia and India were highlighted, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen this partnership to propel shared prosperity forward.

Ethiopia and India were described as two ancient civilizations whose destiny is linked to the choices they make today. Elevating the relationship to a strategic partnership level was noted as a step that would ensure a solid and enduring friendship, regardless of global fluctuations, with Prime Minister Modi’s visit seen as evidence of the strength and resilience of this growing relationship.

It was further affirmed that this strategic partnership would be particularly valuable in enabling the two countries to effectively support each other on international forums and platforms.

In a related statement, it was declared that Ethiopia and India are working diligently to leverage their continental influence to promote the interests of developing nations and advocate for their common causes.

Official diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and India were established in 1948, and their current strategic partnership opens new and promising horizons for achieving shared and sustainable prosperity for both nations.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a historically rich nation in the Horn of Africa, widely considered one of the oldest sites of human habitation and home to the ancient Aksumite Kingdom. It is renowned for its unique cultural heritage, including rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and its status as one of the world’s earliest Christian civilizations, having maintained its independence during the colonial era.

India

India is a vast South Asian country with one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, dating back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley. Its rich history is marked by influential empires, diverse kingdoms, and the profound development of major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Today, it is a modern republic renowned for its incredible cultural, linguistic, and architectural heritage, from the Mughal-era Taj Mahal to ancient temple complexes and vibrant living traditions.

House of Peoples’ Representatives

The House of Peoples’ Representatives is the lower house of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly of Ethiopia, established following the adoption of the 1995 constitution. It is the country’s primary legislative body, with members directly elected to represent constituencies for five-year terms. The institution embodies Ethiopia’s shift to a federal parliamentary republic, replacing the former unicameral legislature of the Derg and Mengistu Haile Mariam era.

Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi is not a place or cultural site, but the current Prime Minister of India. He previously served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 and is a prominent figure in Indian and global politics as a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His political career has been influential in shaping contemporary India’s economic and foreign policies.