In a significant diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally extended an invitation to his Ethiopian counterpart, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, to attend two major upcoming international events in India. The invitation underscores India's commitment to deepening strategic partnerships with key African nations and leading global conversations on technology and multilateral cooperation.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through High-Level Engagement
The invitation was formally conveyed during a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Saturday. According to official sources, the discussion was warm and covered a broad range of topics of mutual interest. Prime Minister Modi invited PM Abiy Ahmed to visit India for the AI Impact Summit, scheduled to be held later this year. This summit is poised to be a landmark event, bringing together global leaders, technologists, and policymakers to deliberate on the ethical and practical implications of artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, PM Modi also extended an invitation for the BRICS Summit, which India is set to host. The BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with its newly added members, represents a crucial platform for emerging economies. Ethiopia's participation, even as an invitee, highlights its growing geopolitical significance and India's intent to foster closer collaboration within the Global South.
A Foundation of Historical Friendship and Modern Partnership
The leaders used the opportunity to review the progress in the robust and historical friendship between India and Ethiopia. They expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations across multiple sectors. Key areas of discussion included:
- Defence and Security Cooperation: Both nations acknowledged the ongoing collaboration, which is a cornerstone of the strategic partnership.
- Trade and Investment: With trade volumes showing consistent growth, the leaders explored avenues to further enhance economic linkages.
- Development Partnership: India's role in Ethiopia's infrastructure and capacity-building projects was positively noted.
- Cultural and People-to-People Ties: The historical cultural connections and educational exchanges were reaffirmed as vital pillars of the relationship.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warmly reciprocated the sentiments, accepting the invitations with appreciation. He emphasized Ethiopia's high regard for its ties with India and looked forward to the visits. The leaders agreed to maintain regular high-level contact to ensure the continued momentum in bilateral cooperation.
Strategic Implications and the Road Ahead
This diplomatic move carries substantial strategic weight. By inviting a key African leader to the AI Impact Summit, India is positioning itself not just as a technology consumer but as a global thought leader seeking inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue on one of the most transformative technologies of our time. It signals India's desire to include African perspectives in shaping the future governance of AI.
Similarly, the invitation to the BRICS Summit reinforces India's role as a bridge between traditional alliances and the aspirations of the developing world. Ethiopia, as one of Africa's fastest-growing economies and a diplomatic heavyweight in the Horn of Africa, represents a vital partner in this vision. The conversations pave the way for:
- Enhanced technological collaboration in digital public infrastructure and AI.
- Deeper economic integration and Indian investments in Ethiopia.
- Stronger coordination on global platforms and multilateral reforms.
The telephonic talk concluded on a note of mutual respect and shared optimism. Both Prime Ministers Modi and Abiy Ahmed agreed to work closely towards a future where the India-Ethiopia partnership serves as a model for South-South cooperation, driving growth, innovation, and stability for their peoples and the wider region.
