Modi will also meet the Indian diaspora during the two-day visit
New Delhi: India and Ethiopia elevated their ties to the level of Strategic Partnership on Tuesday after the delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Ethiopian counterpart Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali. The talks focussed on improving bilateral ties and expanding co-operation in the fields of economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, and capacity building. PM Modi thanked Ethiopia for its support in India’s war against terrorism and announced to double the scholarships for the Ethiopian students in India.
PM reached Addis Ababa on Tuesday from Jordan in the second leg of his three nation tour. In Jordan, the PM attended an India-Jordan Business Forum and addressed the business leaders of the two countries. Following the Business Forum, PM Modi was accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II to the Jordan Museum. The crown prince personally drove the PM to the museum in a special gesture and later dropped him at the airport as PM left for Ethiopia. The Crown Prince is a 42nd-generation direct descendant of Prophet Mohammad.
In Ethiopia, PM was accorded a warm welcome upon arrival where Dr Ali had come to recieve him at the airport. Dr Ali then drove Mr Modi to the Science Museum in Addis Ababa. PM was accorded a ceremonial welcome with tri-services guard of honour at Addis Ababa National Palace. This is Mr Modi’s first visit to Ethiopia. PM will address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament on Wednesday.
“Though this is my first visit to Ethiopia, the moment I stepped here I felt a lot of warmth and affection. There have been constant connect, communication and exchanges between India and Ethiopia for a thousand of years. Our both nations are symbol of unity in diversity and are committed democratic powers for peace and betterment of humankind. We are fellow travellers and partners in Global South…Inspired by the concept of `Inclusive World’ India ensured in 2023 that African Union should be part of the G20. Keeping this in mind today we are taking our relationship to the level of Strategic Partnership. This step will give new impetus to our relationship. To tap the immense potential of the future we will prepare a clear roadmap. Today we got an opportunity to discuss on the main facets of our co-operations like economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity building and multilateral co-operation,” Mr Modi said.
He also thanked Dr Ali for Ethiopia’s sympathy in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack and for the country’s support to India in its fight against terrorism. “Support of friendly countries is very important in our war against terrorism,” PM added.
Before leaving for Ethiopia, Mr Modi attended an India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman on Tuesday along with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. Mr Modi invited Jordanian companies to partner India and reap the benefits of its 1.4 billion consumer market, its strong manufacturing base, and its stable, transparent, and predictable policy environment. Speaking at the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman, The Prime Minister proposed doubling bilateral trade with Jordan from current $2.8 billion to $ 5 billion over the next 5 years.
India is the third largest trading partner of Jordan. Jordan is a leading supplier of fertilisers to India, particularly phosphates and potash.
Speaking at the Business Forum in Amman, PM Modi also highlighted opportunities for India-Jordan business collaboration in the fields of Digital Public Infrastructure, Information Technology, Fintech, Health-tech and Agri-tech and invited start-ups from both nations to join hands in these areas.
He noted that India’s strength in pharma and medical devices sectors and Jordan’s geographical advantage could complement each other and make Jordan a reliable hub for West Asia and Africa in these fields. He also highlighted business opportunities for the two sides in the areas of agriculture, cold chain, food parks, fertilizers, infrastructure, automobile, green mobility and heritage and cultural tourism. Speaking about India’s green initiatives, PM suggested greater India-Jordan business collaboration in the fields of renewable energy, green financing, desalination and water recycling.
Later, PM wrote on X saying, “Grateful to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II for showing me different aspects of Jordan’s history and culture at The Jordan Museum,” while thanking the Crown prince for his special gesture.
PM added that during his Jordan visit, he interacted extensively with the Crown Prince. “His passion towards Jordan’s progress is clearly visible. His contributions to areas such as youth development, sports, space, innovation and furthering welfare of persons with disabilities are truly remarkable. My best wishes to him in his pursuits to strengthen Jordan’s growth trajectory,” wrote Mr Modi on X.
