India-Ethiopia partnership enters new phase in strategic sectors

Cooperation between Ethiopia and India is entering a new phase of development, covering strategically important areas including healthcare, artificial intelligence, public administration, and agriculture, according to Anil Kumar Rai, India’s Ambassador to Ethiopia. His remarks were reported by ENA, a partner of TV BRICS.

The diplomat noted that the two sides are consistently implementing the agreements reached during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Ethiopia in December 2025. According to him, a number of joint initiatives have already moved into the practical implementation phase.

For instance, three major Indian companies, in collaboration with local partners, are preparing to invest in the construction of specialist hospitals and ophthalmology centres in Ethiopia.

Furthermore, India has hosted several Ethiopian agricultural delegations to exchange expertise on the cultivation of drought-resistant crop varieties, mixed farming systems, science-based irrigation and modern agricultural technologies.

Speaking on digital transformation, the Indian ambassador commended Ethiopia’s achievements, recalling that the African Union had appointed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as the continent’s lead on artificial intelligence and digital health.

Anil Kumar Rai highlighted the growing cooperation in the field of institutional capacity-building. He noted that India had recently hosted a 40-member delegation from the Ethiopian Parliament, which included the chairpersons of regional and municipal legislative assemblies, as well as representatives of democratic institutions and the ruling party. Over the course of the week, the participants took part in a capacity-building programme focusing on democratic governance and best institutional practices.

India and Ethiopia have maintained diplomatic relations for over 70 years. During this period, cooperation between the two countries has steadily expanded in the fields of trade, investment, education, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and human resource development.