By: Kassahun Chanie
Ethiopia and India have officially operationalized a landmark visa waiver agreement for diplomatic passport holders, a move aimed at solidifying their recently elevated strategic partnership and enhancing high-level institutional cooperation.
The formal implementation of this agreement began on January 15, 2026, following a high-profile signing ceremony held at the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa.
The accord was signed by Ambassador Dawano Kedir, the Director General of Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and Anil Kumar Rai, the Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia. Both officials emphasized that the waiver is a vital step toward removing administrative barriers and fostering a more seamless exchange of diplomatic expertise and state-level dialogue.
During the occasion, Ambassador Anil Kumar Rai stated that the agreement, which comes into effect immediately, reflects a profound level of mutual trust between the two capitals.
He explained that by allowing diplomatic officials to travel without the need for traditional visa processing, both New Delhi and Addis Ababa are signaling their readiness to accelerate joint projects across various sectors. The Ambassador noted that this operational milestone is a direct follow-up to the historic state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ethiopia in December 2025.
During those high-level discussions, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed formally decided to elevate their bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership," a designation reserved for the nation's most critical international allies.
According to Ambassador Dawano Kedir, the agreement is expected to act as a catalyst for increased investment and stronger people-to-people ties, noting that Ethiopia and India share a rich history that spans centuries, characterized by deep-rooted cooperation in education, trade, and cultural exchange.
He explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia views this waiver as a critical instrument for enhancing the efficiency of bilateral commissions and institutional collaboration. By facilitating easier travel for government representatives, both nations aim to streamline the implementation of agreements reached during the recent strategic talks.
The officials recommended that the operationalization of this visa waiver should serve as a springboard for further economic integration. They advised that both countries should now prioritize the expansion of trade missions and the exploration of new avenues in technology transfer and South-South cooperation. Ambassador Rai further suggested that this move should encourage more frequent ministerial-level visits to ensure that the objectives of the Strategic Partnership are met with precision.
As the two nations look toward the future, the officials underscored that this agreement stands as a testament to their shared vision of a more connected and collaborative global presence.
