India-Ethiopia Hold Inaugural Joint Defence Cooperation Meeting in New Delhi

Inaugural Joint Defence Cooperation (JDC) meeting between India and Ethiopia was held in New Delhi on 15 October 2025, marking a major step in the expansion of bilateral defence ties. The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), ministry of defence, Amitabh Prasad and director general for defence foreign relations and military cooperation Maj Gen Teshome Gemechu.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed ongoing defence cooperation and discussed new avenues for collaboration in training, joint military exercises, medical cooperation, and defence industry engagement. Both delegations agreed to further deepen and diversify defence cooperation activities.

The meeting forms part of the institutional mechanism created under the Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the defence ministers of India and Ethiopia earlier in 2025. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) established a structured framework for regular exchanges and strategic dialogue between the two countries.

Ethiopia is among India’s key defence partners in Africa, with defence cooperation dating back to 1958. The relationship continues to strengthen, as reflected in the participation of Ethiopia’s Army Chief in the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave being hosted by India in New Delhi from 14-16 October 2025.

Beyond defence, India and Ethiopia share historical and civilisational links extending over 2,000 years. The two nations established full diplomatic relations in 1950, and today enjoy vibrant cooperation in trade, culture, education, and development.

The successful convening of the inaugural JDC meeting underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Ethiopia and reaffirms their shared resolve to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The Indian delegation included senior officers from Department of Defence (DoD), the three Services, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), Department of Defence Production (DDP), and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).