Addis Ababa, Dec 16 (NationPress) The Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai, emphasized the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, noting that it coincides with a period of significant economic transformation in Ethiopia, making the country a sought-after destination for investment.

In a conversation with IANS on Tuesday, Rai remarked, "This visit is timely as Ethiopia has successfully navigated numerous economic challenges and adopted very progressive policies."

He further elaborated, "This progress is attributable to the comprehensive homegrown economic reforms instituted under the adept leadership of Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. These developments have rendered Ethiopia a compelling investment landscape," he stated.

Rai pointed out the various sectors now open for partnership: "Numerous opportunities have emerged, especially in the foundational structure of the economy, including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, export-oriented ventures, banking, finance, and educational frameworks. We anticipate that this visit will explore the entire scope of our relationship and enhance cooperation further."

Regarding India's ties with Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai remarked, "India’s relations with all nations, including Ethiopia, are based on their individual merits. Therefore, each country is entitled to establish its own diplomatic relations, generally shaped by mutual strengths and compatibilities. India's relationship with Ethiopia has a history spanning over 2,000 years, with Indian educators having instructed generations of Ethiopians."

With the 2026 BRICS summit on the horizon, the ambassador underscored Ethiopia's pivotal role, stating, "The upcoming BRICS summit will convene at a time when the global framework appears fragmented, with trust among nations at a low. BRICS, representing over 50% of the world's population and GDP, serves as a crucial platform for addressing political, economic, and international matters."

He added, "Countries like Ethiopia, newly joining BRICS, will contribute their insights, aiding the bloc’s growth and enhancing India’s engagement with developing nations in Africa."

PM Modi's ongoing visit to Ethiopia, the second stop on his three-nation tour, marks his inaugural trip to the country and occurs at a strategically significant moment for India-Africa relations.

During his two-day visit, planned for December 16–17, 2025, PM Modi is expected to engage in extensive discussions with PM Abiy Ahmed concerning bilateral cooperation, trade, investment, and developmental partnerships.

This visit highlights India's commitment to bolstering South-South cooperation, strengthening connections with African nations, and fostering knowledge and technology exchanges in critical sectors. Ambassador Rai emphasized that the discussions during this visit aim to create a forward-leaning roadmap for India-Ethiopia relations and enhance collaboration on multilateral platforms like BRICS.