NEW DELHI — India and Ethiopia took a significant step forward in strengthening their strategic partnership with the first-ever Joint Defense Cooperation (JDC) meeting, held in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The meeting, co-chaired by Mr. Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defense, and Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General for Defense Foreign Relations & Military Cooperation of Ethiopia, marked the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral defense collaboration between the two nations.
During the discussions, both sides reviewed ongoing defense engagements and explored fresh opportunities for cooperation in areas such as training, joint military exercises, medical support, and defense industry partnerships. The delegations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and diversifying defense cooperation to address shared security interests.
The JDC meeting was convened under the framework of the Defense Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier in 2025 between the Defense Ministers of India and Ethiopia. The MoU established a formal mechanism for regular strategic dialogue and institutional exchanges in defense and security matters.
Ethiopia remains one of India’s key defense partners in Africa, with ties dating back to 1958. The enduring partnership is further demonstrated by the participation of Ethiopia’s Army Chief in the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave, hosted by India in New Delhi from October 14–16, 2025.
Beyond defense, India and Ethiopia share historical and civilizational links spanning over two millennia. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1950, and the two countries continue to maintain robust cooperation across trade, education, culture, and development sectors.
The successful conduct of the inaugural JDC meeting highlights the growing strategic convergence between India and Ethiopia, reaffirming their shared resolve to strengthen partnership and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The Indian delegation included senior officials from the Department of Defense (DoD), the three Services, Headquarters Integrated Defense Staff (HQ IDS), Department of Defense Production (DDP), and the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
