Addis ababa: Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai, said that cooperation between Ethiopia and India is entering a new phase of growth, particularly in the healthcare, artificial intelligence, governance, and agriculture sectors, following agreements reached during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Ethiopia in December 2025.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Rai stated that the two countries are making steady progress in implementing the agreements reached during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Ethiopia in December 2026, with several initiatives already advancing toward implementation. Among the key areas of cooperation, Rai highlighted healthcare, revealing that three major Indian healthcare providers are preparing to invest in Ethiopia through partnerships with local institutions. The projects include the establishment of specialized hospitals and eye care facilities.
Rai mentioned that these healthcare projects are part of a broader package of bilateral initiatives covering agriculture, education, artificial intelligence, defense cooperation, and other strategic sectors agreed upon during Prime Minister Modi's visit. He emphasized the systematic approach both governments are taking to ensure all agreed initiatives are implemented according to schedule.
On digital transformation, the ambassador commended Ethiopia's progress, noting that the African Union designated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as the continental champion for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health. He expressed confidence that the expanding partnership would soon produce visible results.
The ambassador also highlighted growing cooperation in governance and institutional capacity building. He said India recently hosted a 40-member Ethiopian parliamentary delegation, comprising Speakers from all regional states and city administrations, officials from democratic institutions, and representatives of the Prosperity Party. Additionally, India hosted a 34-member delegation of Ethiopian women parliamentarians in March this year to exchange experiences on governance, legislative processes, and India's electoral system.
Highlighting agricultural cooperation, Rai praised Ethiopia's achievements under the National Agricultural Development Program, particularly the country's increased wheat productivity. He added that India has welcomed several Ethiopian agricultural delegations to share expertise on drought-resistant crop varieties, mixed-cropping systems, scientific irrigation, and other modern farming technologies.
Rai concluded by noting that India and Ethiopia have maintained diplomatic relations for more than seven decades, with cooperation expanding steadily in trade, investment, education, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and capacity building.