India and Ethiopia on September 2 explored avenues to further strengthen defence cooperation, with discussions spanning military training, defence industry collaboration and UN Peacekeeping operations. The engagement reflects the steady expansion of a strategic partnership that has acquired greater depth across diplomatic, economic and security spheres.

The discussions took place in New Delhi between H.E. Mr Nebiyu Tedla, Charge d’Affaires at the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi, and Mr Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence. According to the Ministry of Defence, the two sides examined opportunities to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, with particular attention to new and emerging areas. Training, defence industry collaboration and UN Peacekeeping were identified as important pillars of the expanding relationship.

The latest interaction comes against the backdrop of sustained high-level political engagement between New Delhi and Addis Ababa. In June, Prime Minister

Mr Narendra Modi congratulated his Ethiopian counterpart, H.E. Mr Abiy Ahmed Ali, and his Prosperity Party following their decisive victory in Ethiopia’s parliamentary elections.

Mr Modi described India’s relationship with Ethiopia as historic, multifaceted and deep-rooted, recalling his visit to the country the previous year. He said he looked forward to working closely with H.E. Mr Abiy Ahmed Ali to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership and the bonds of friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

H.E. Mr Abiy Ahmed Ali responded by thanking Mr Modi for his wishes and reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to building upon the Strategic Partnership. Describing the Indian Prime Minister as a “trusted friend and elder brother”, the Ethiopian Prime Minister highlighted the democratic strength represented by Mr Modi’s mandate and emphasised the shared historical foundations and ambitions underpinning India-Ethiopia relations.

The relationship received a significant boost during Mr Modi’s two-day visit to Ethiopia in December last year. During the visit, the Prime Minister held talks with H.E. Mr Abiy Ahmed Ali, addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament and visited the Adwa Museum, underscoring the historical and contemporary dimensions of India’s engagement with the country.

A notable moment came with Ethiopia conferring its highest civilian honour, the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, on Mr Modi. The distinction reflected the importance attached by Addis Ababa to the bilateral relationship and to the Indian Prime Minister’s contribution towards strengthening ties.

Defence cooperation now adds another strategic layer to this expanding partnership. With training, defence industry collaboration and UN Peacekeeping at the centre of the latest discussions, India and Ethiopia appear intent on translating their political goodwill into deeper institutional and operational cooperation.