India and Ethiopia strengthened bilateral cooperation by signing three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first official visit to Addis Ababa in December 2025.
The agreements underline India’s growing engagement with Africa, especially the Horn of Africa, and reflect shared priorities in trade facilitation, digital infrastructure, and global peacekeeping.
India–Ethiopia Sign Three MoUs During PM Modi’s First Visit to Addis Ababa
Key MoUs Signed Between India and Ethiopia
1. Cooperation in Customs Administration
This MoU focuses on administrative assistance in customs matters to:
- Improve information sharing
- Prevent customs-related offences
- Facilitate smoother trade and logistics
- Enhance transparency in cross-border trade
The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade efficiency and economic cooperation.
2. Data Centre Establishment at Ethiopian Embassy
The second MoU provides for the establishment of a data centre at the Embassy of Ethiopia. It aims to:
- Strengthen digital infrastructure
- Improve data security and management
- Support e-governance and diplomatic communications
This aligns with India’s expertise in digital public infrastructure and capacity-building for partner countries.
3. Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping
The third MoU enhances collaboration in United Nations peacekeeping operations, an area where both countries are major contributors. It seeks to:
- Improve coordination and training
- Share best practices
- Strengthen global peace and security
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to multilateralism.
Ceremonial Welcome & Cultural Diplomacy
- PM Modi received a warm welcome from Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali at the airport
- A ceremonial welcome and guard of honour was accorded at the National Palace
- Participation in a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony symbolised hospitality, cultural exchange, and civilisational ties
India–Ethiopia Relations: Context
India and Ethiopia share long-standing ties rooted in education, people-to-people exchanges, and development cooperation. India has supported Ethiopia’s capacity building across sectors, while close leadership-level engagement has added momentum at bilateral and multilateral forums.
Exam-Oriented Key Facts
- Visit: PM Modi’s first official visit to Ethiopia
- MoUs Signed: 3
- Areas Covered: Customs cooperation, data centre establishment, UN peacekeeping
- Leaders Present: PM Narendra Modi; PM Abiy Ahmed Ali
- Significance: Deepening India–Africa engagement; focus on trade, digital infra, and global security
Question & Answer
Q1. How many MoUs were signed between India and Ethiopia during PM Modi’s visit?
(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four
Answer: Three
Q2. One of the MoUs signed between India and Ethiopia relates to which sector?
(a) Space cooperation
(b) Customs administration
(c) Nuclear energy
(d) Tourism
Answer: Customs administration
Q3. The MoU on data centre establishment pertains to which location?
(a) Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa
(b) Ethiopian Embassy
(c) African Union headquarters
(d) UN Office in Nairobi
Answer: Ethiopian Embassy
Q4. India and Ethiopia are major contributors in which global operation area covered by an MoU?
(a) Climate finance
(b) Disaster relief
(c) UN peacekeeping
(d) Global health
Answer: UN peacekeeping
Q5. PM Modi’s Ethiopia visit took place in which year?
(a) 2024
(b) 2025
(c) 2026
(d) 2027
Answer: 2025
🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Meet Matti Makkonen: The Finnish Engineer Known as the Father of SMS")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "India Exports Fortified Rice to Costa Rica: A Boost to Nutrition Diplomacy and Agri Trade")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Tripura to Host Second Prabashi Tripurabasi Summit 2025–26")