‘Taking An Old Friendship Into New Frontiers’: PM Modi, Ethiopian Premier Hold Bilateral Talks On BRICS’ Sidelines

Last Updated:September 12, 2026, 2:05 PM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Ethiopian counterpart, Abiy Ahmed Ali, in New Delhi on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit

PM Narendra Modi and his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Ethiopian counterpart, Abiy Ahmed Ali, in New Delhi on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The two leaders discussed a range of subjects, including defence and clean energy, with the talks aimed at enhancing cooperation between India and Ethiopia.

In a post on X, PM Modi said the two nations are exploring new dimensions to their old friendship. “India and Ethiopia are taking an old friendship into new frontiers! Delighted to welcome PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali on his first visit to India”.

The Prime Minister said talks with his Ethiopian counterpart covered a range of areas, including defence, capacity building, healthcare, and more.

“Today’s talks covered: Defence. Capacity building. Investment linkages. Critical minerals. Clean energy. Healthcare. Together, we will also strengthen India-Africa ties and amplify the voice of the Global South.”

Putin, Xi Jinping In India

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. Several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, are participating in the two-day event.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, Xi landed in India on Saturday, September 12, and was received by Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada.

PM Modi and the Chinese leader are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting today, with the discussions expected to focus on India-China ties, West Asia conflict, and more.

The 18th BRICS Summit is being held at a critical time when the world is witnessing conflicts on multiple fronts, while also navigating the energy price shock caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran and the subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

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What key areas of cooperation did PM Modi and Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali discuss during their bilateral talks in New Delhi?

During their bilateral talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali discussed a wide range of areas, including defence, capacity building, investment linkages, critical minerals, clean energy, healthcare, and economic cooperation.

When did India and Ethiopia officially elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership?

India and Ethiopia officially elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in December 2025 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first bilateral visit to Ethiopia.

Which global leaders participated in the 18th BRICS Summit hosted in New Delhi?

The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi was hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.

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Meemansa ShekhawatSub-editor

A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re…Read More

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