Jaishankar arrives in Addis Ababa to deepen India-Ethiopia strategic ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Addis Ababa on Friday on the final leg of a three-nation African tour, initiating high-level talks with Ethiopian leaders to advance bilateral cooperation and strategic alignment.

This diplomatic engagement underscores New Delhi's ongoing outreach to the Global South, focusing on economic expansion, technological collaboration, and capacity building with key African partners.

Upon landing at Bole International Airport, the minister was received by Ethiopia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Berhanu Tsegaye. Following his arrival, Jaishankar stated on social media that he looked forward to productive discussions aimed at taking the multifaceted partnership forward.

Later in the day, the minister held a detailed meeting with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos. The talks centered on traditional areas of collaboration, spanning trade, infrastructure development, technology, maritime security, and cultural exchanges.

Both sides also evaluated multilateral cooperation, specifically examining ways to strengthen engagement between India and the African Union. Officials noted that the current dialogue builds upon deep-rooted historical ties and mutual solidarity between the two nations.

Beyond bilateral matters, Jaishankar's itinerary in the Ethiopian capital includes chairing the Regional Heads of Mission conference. The meeting will bring together Indian diplomatic envoys stationed across the region to review strategic objectives and diplomatic outreach.

Prior to arriving in Ethiopia, Jaishankar visited Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, where discussions focused on expanding defense links, agricultural cooperation, and economic investments.

The current five-day African tour concludes on October 10, with formal agreements and joint evaluations expected to shape future bilateral frameworks between New Delhi and its East African counterparts.