New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed India-Africa relations into a strong strategic partnership throughout his 11-year tenure.

In just the past year, he has significantly enhanced India's involvement with the African continent, conducting numerous high-level visits that have rejuvenated diplomatic and developmental connections.

This current journey to Ethiopia is one such high-profile visit. Furthermore, PM Modi's trips to South Africa in November, Ghana and Namibia in July, and Mauritius in March, along with Nigeria in November 2024, underline a strategic outreach under his guidance.

During his ongoing visit to Ethiopia, PM Modi emphasized the historical ties between India and Ethiopia, noting that both nations, rich in languages and traditions, are partners in the Global South.

In discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at the Ethiopian National Palace in Addis Ababa, PM Modi expressed his joy at visiting Ethiopia for the first time.

This visit represents a significant advancement in India-Ethiopia relations, marking the elevation of their ties to a strategic partnership and the signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration in various sectors such as education, health, artificial intelligence, and technology.

In November, PM Modi met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg, focusing on bilateral cooperation, especially in commerce, culture, investment, and technology.

During his trip to Ghana in July, PM Modi stated that India, being the world’s largest democracy, stands as a pillar of strength not only for the Global South but for all during these complex times, reaffirming India's commitment to Africa's developmental journey.

"A strong India will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world," PM Modi remarked in a historic address at the Ghanaian Parliament in Accra.

That same month in Namibia, PM Modi and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah engaged in high-level discussions and witnessed the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in health and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, it was announced that Namibia has joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

During his March visit to Mauritius, PM Modi met with Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam, where both leaders expressed satisfaction with their comprehensive discussions on bilateral relations, agreeing that their partnership has gained significant strategic depth as an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.

The Mauritian PM expressed gratitude for India's ongoing support in refurbishing Coast Guard Ships Victory, Valiant, and Barracuda. PM Modi reiterated that Mauritius is a vital maritime partner for India under the Vision SAGAR initiative and assured continued assistance in enhancing its defense and security capabilities.

In November last year, during his visit to Nigeria, PM Modi held productive discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and was honored with the country's highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

The leaders emphasized the long-standing cordial relations between Nigeria and India, shaped by shared historical experiences, and discussed expanding cooperation in defense, energy, technology, trade, health, and education.

Tinubu acknowledged India's commitment to amplifying developing countries' voices through the Voice of the Global South Summits.

PM Modi's outreach to African nations reflects a well-calibrated foreign policy approach aimed at deepening development cooperation and elevating the Global South's voice amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.