Ethiopia: Abiy Ahmed and Modi discuss defense, security, and investments in New Delhi

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting on Saturday, September 12, in New Delhi, focusing on strengthening the strategic partnership between their two countries, particularly in the areas of economy, defense, and security.

The meeting took place at Hyderabad House, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS summit. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs, as reported by Anadolu, stated that the two leaders reviewed the progress made in several key sectors of their cooperation.

Indian officials cited by the Times of India indicated that Ethiopia expressed interest in enhancing defense cooperation with India. Joint training of personnel and opportunities for acquiring Indian defense equipment were specifically discussed.

The talks also covered investments. According to the same sources, Addis Ababa invited more Indian companies to invest in the country, including in the mining sector, as both governments seek to expand their economic cooperation.

India and Ethiopia elevated their relations to a strategic partnership in December 2025 during Narendra Modi’s visit to Addis Ababa. At that time, the two governments had already identified defense, trade, investment, technology, health, agriculture, critical minerals, and energy as priority areas.

Ethiopia has been a member of BRICS since January 2024. Abiy Ahmed is participating in the summit held on September 12 and 13 in New Delhi, where the group’s leaders are discussing economic cooperation, multilateral governance, and major international issues.