India and Ethiopia are in the final stages of finalizing a defense cooperation pact, Ethiopia’s ambassador to New Delhi said. Under the agreement, to be likely signed after India’s general elections, India will offer equipment and training to Ethiopia’s army, ambassador Demeke Atnafu told Indian news outlet The Print. Analysts believe that Ethiopia had the full backing of India to join the group of states with fast growing economies last year. The defense cooperation agreement is part of a larger push by India to strengthen its foothold on the African continent, where it is already selling air defense systems, small arms, missiles, and anti-drone weapons. India has also extended a credit line of nearly 14 billion dollars to 42 African nations.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 14, 2024 13:13 UTC