Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia Anil K Rai (R) and Ethiopian IT minister Dr Belete Molla (Photo: X/IndiaInEthiopia)
New Delhi: The bilateral relations between India and Ethiopia have gained renewed momentum following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the African country. The India–Ethiopia strategic partnership is now beginning to take concrete shape on the ground.
In this context, India’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil K Rai, held a series of high-level meetings with senior Ethiopian ministers aimed at accelerating cooperation in digital technology and defence.
India’s Support for Digital Ethiopia 2030
Ambassador Rai met with Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr Belete Molla and discussed about the Digital Ethiopia 2030 initiative in detail.
The programme seeks to expand internet connectivity, strengthen digital public services, and provide technical skills and training opportunities for young people.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Rai said, “After Prime Minister Modi’s visit, mutual trust and cooperation between our two countries have grown even stronger. India is ready to share its digital experience with Ethiopia.”
Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in key areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), digitisation of government services, and capacity building.
Defence Cooperation Gains Momentum
Ambassador Rai also met Ethiopia’s Minister of Defence, Aisha Mohammed. During their discussion, the two sides discussed on implementation of the defence cooperation agreement signed in February 2025.
Amb of India @anilk_rai called on H.E. @AishaMo_Mussa Defence Minister of Ethiopia, to discuss way forward on implementing the MoU on Defense Cooperation (Feb 2025) and Implementing Agreement on cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Training. pic.twitter.com/BsfyLHyTTD
— India in Ethiopia (@IndiaInEthiopia) December 26, 2025
They also talked about the collaboration in training for United Nations peacekeeping missions.
It was agreed that both countries would accelerate joint training programmes, exercises, and exchanges of defence officials, with special emphasis on preparing troops for UN peacekeeping operations.
The Ambassador noted, “Prime Minister Modi’s visit has given new direction to defence cooperation. Now is the time to translate agreements into concrete action.”
Impact of the Strategic Partnership
During Modi’s visit to Ethiopia, the two nations elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership. Since then, sustained dialogue and practical initiatives have been underway in areas including digital technology, defence cooperation, and capacity building.
Ambassador Anil K Rai stated that India–Ethiopia relations are founded on mutual respect and long-standing friendship, adding that the benefits of this growing partnership will directly reach the people of both countries.
The momentum generated after Prime Minister Modi’s visit clearly demonstrates that India and Ethiopia are moving beyond dialogue towards fast-paced, results-oriented, and meaningful cooperation on the ground.
