From Ethiopia To Ghana: How PM Modi’s Visits Boosted India’s Strategic Partnerships With Africa

Last Updated:December 17, 2025, 14:55 IST

PM Modi on Wednesday underscored the outcomes of his Ethiopia visit, calling the signing of multiple agreements a “significant” step in strengthening bilateral partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi after being conferred with Ethiopia's highest award 'The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia' by his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali, in Addis Ababa. (PMO via PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday on his maiden bilateral visit, during which the two countries elevated their historical ties to the level of ‘Strategic Partnership’.

The PM on Wednesday underscored the outcomes of his Ethiopia visit, calling the signing of multiple agreements a “significant" step in strengthening a bilateral partnership focused on “growth and people-centric development".

Over the past 11 years, PM Modi has elevated India-Africa relations to a new level of strategic partnership. In the past one year, PM Modi has accelerated this connect with Africa through his visits.

The visits have revitalised diplomatic and developmental ties across Africa, marking a strategic outreach under his leadership.

A look at his recent visits:

Ethiopia (December 2025): PM Modi also held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart, Abiy Ahmed Ali, following which, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of three MoUs. The Memoranda of Understanding were signed in the fields of UN Peacekeeping Operations Training, Mutual Administrative Assistance in the Customs Matters, and the establishment of Data Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. The two sides also announced upgrading ties to ‘Strategic Partnership’, debt restructuring under G20, more Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.

South Africa (November 2025): PM Modi travelled to Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, which was being hosted there from November 22 to 23, 2025. On the sidelines of the summit, he held bilateral talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, focusing on cooperation in trade, critical minerals, technology, AI, and other areas of partnership.

Ghana (July 2025): PM Modi, who visited Ghana from July 2 to July 3, 2025, became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in about 30 years. The Ghana visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties, economic cooperation, and engaging with African partners as part of India’s Global South outreach.

Namibia (July 2025): PM Modi visited Namibia on July 9 as the final leg of his five-nation tour. This was his first visit to Namibia as Prime Minister and only the third ever by an Indian PM to the country in nearly three decades. He held high-level talks with Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on strengthening bilateral ties across digital tech, defence, trade, agriculture, healthcare, education, and critical minerals

Mauritius (March 2025): PM Modi visited Mauritius on a two-day state visit from March 11 to 12 as the Guest of Honour at Mauritius’ Day celebrations. This was Modi’s second official visit to Mauritius as Indian Prime Minister and marked a strengthening of the long-standing ties between India and the island nation. During the visit, India and Mauritius signed multiple MoUs spanning cooperation in trade, governance, financial systems, capacity building, and other areas. India also committed to supporting local infrastructure and development projects, including assistance with a new Parliament building and other community initiatives.

Nigeria (November 2024): PM Modi visited Nigeria on November 17-18, 2024, making it the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years. Modi and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held strategic talks to deepen cooperation in areas like defence, energy, trade, technology, health, and education.

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