Tuesday Dec 16, 2025 {HMC} Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on Tuesday received Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bole International Airport, marking the start of Modi’s two-day official visit to Ethiopia. In a symbolic gesture, Abiy personally drove his Indian counterpart to the hotel.
During the drive, Abiy took Modi to visit the Addis Ababa Science Museum and Friendship Park, stops that were not included in the official itinerary, ANI reported.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit, the first by an Indian leader to Ethiopia in 15 years, is expected to include an address to a joint session of Ethiopia’s Parliament, alongside bilateral talks with Abiy focusing on investment, cybersecurity, and broader economic cooperation.
Officials described the visit as a “very historic moment” aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and deepening coordination on international issues, including United_Nations reforms and BRICS-related agendas.
“India and Ethiopia are two civilizational countries with a long-standing, deep, and friendly relationship,” said Randhir Jaiswal Rai, adding that the visit carries a “big and rich agenda” for expanding cooperation.
Discussions are also expected to cover education, health, defense, and regional and global affairs. Agriculture, which supports an estimated 80 percent of Ethiopian livelihoods, is set to feature prominently in the talks.
India also plans to launch several projects in Ethiopia under the International Solar Alliance, including solar rooftop systems, off-grid solutions, regional solar connectivity, and solar-powered irrigation pumps, aimed at expanding energy access and supporting poverty reduction efforts.
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to meet members of the Indian diaspora living in Ethiopia.
